
Rook ■?7P?.7 



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HISTORIC SKETCHES 

HANSON, LAKEVILLE, MATTAPOISETT, 

MIDDLEBORO', PEMBROKE, PLIMPTON, 

ROCHESTER, WAREHAM, AND 

WEST BRIDGEWATER. 



BY EBENEZER WEAA^ER PEIRCE, 

AUTHOR OF 

Brief Sketches of Acushnet, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown. 

Somerset. Swanzey and Westport. and Genealogies of the Barnaby, 

Davis, Peirce, Rounsevill, Strange and Valentine Families, 

Resident Member of Old Colony Historical, the Pilgrim, 

and New England Historic Genealogical Societies, 

Corresponding Memberof New York Biographical 

and Wisconsin State Historical Societies. 



Posterity delight in details." — John ^uincy Adams. 



BOSTON, MASS. 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY DEAN DUDLEY, 

31 EXCHANGE STREET. 



i 



/ 



£32=. 
HISTORIC SKETCHES ^^^ 



HANSON, LAKEVILLE, MATTAPOISETT, 

MIDDLEBOaO', PEMBROKE, PLYMPTON, 

ROCHESTER, WAREHAM, AND 

WEST BRIDGEWATER. 



BY EBENEZER WEAVER PEIRCE, 



AUTHOR OF 

Brief Sketches of Acushnet, Dighton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, 

Somerset, Swanzev and Westport, and Genealogies of the Barnaby, 

Davis, Peirce, Rounsevill, Strange and Valentine Families, 

Resident Member of Old Colony Historical, the Pilgrim, 

and New England Historic Genealogical Societies, 

Corresponding Memberof New York Biographical 

and Wisconsin State Historical Societies. 



" Every particle of historic trutl^ is precious," — Benjamin Church. 



BOSTON, MASS. 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY DEAN DUDLEY^ 

31 EXCHANGE STREET. 

1873 



f7^ 



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// 



HISTORY OF FREETOWN. 

The author has in manuscript a carefully pre- 
pared History of Freetown, with genealogical 
tables of the families that have resided there at dif- 
ferent dates from the purchase of the tract (of the 
Indians in 1659,) until now. This manuscript fur- 
nishes the material for about five hundred pages 
(large octavo,) and should sufficient encourage- 
ment be given will probably ere long be published 
through the medium of the press. The different 
subjects treated upon are classified, so as to be 
easily found and of ready reference, and scarcely 
any of the matter has ever appeared in print, save 
about a dozen pages already issued under the title 
of a "Brief Sketch of Freetown," which of course 
could convey comparatively few of the facts that go 
to make up the history of a town that has been set- 
tled upon and owned by the white people more than 
two hundred and ten years. 

He has for sale a few copies of the book en- 
titled " The Peircfe Family of the Old Colony," a 
large octavo of five hundred and ten pages, price 
four dollars; if sent per mail, the postage added. 



^ 



OF 



TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 



HANSON. 



This town was detached or set off from PembroTce and in- 
corporated as a new and distinct town in 1820, or about fifty- 
three years since. Its incorporated limits had formerly been 
those of a rehgious parish in Pembroke, and over which, in 
the gospel ministry, had been ordained and settled Rev. Gad 
Hitchcock in 1748. He continued to break the bread of life 
and dispense the word of God among the people of this (then 
parish now) tOAvn for the long term of fifty-five years, and 
was succeeded in the ministerial office by Rev. George Bars- 
tow, who continued in the pastoral relation eighteen years, and. 
died in 1821, aged 51 years. The next minister was Rev, 
Mr. Howland. Rev. Gad Hitchcock was a finely educated 
man, a collegian, but better than that lie possessed what so 
many '• book tvorms'^ are wofuUy deficient in viz , good prac- 
tical sense, that callejd " common sense," although the most 
i^wcommon of all sense existing then, or now extant. 

To use the language of one writer concerning the Rev. 
Mr. Hitchcock " He was sociable, friendly, and hospitable ; 
esteemed as a man of talents, and many in his old age profi- 
ted by his instructions." 

Many stories are still told of Mr. Hitchcock, that serve to 
give an idea of his social and even fun loving qualities. The 
parish that subsequently became a town, by some means ac- 
quired the unpoetlc name of Tank and Mr. Hitchcock being 
in company with a sailor, of whom he had asked a great 
many questions concerning what he had seen and suffered, 
was by the old tar requested to tell him his name, occupa- 
tion, and place of residence ; when the reverend gentleman 
replied, " My name is Gad Hitchcock, I am a minister of the 
gospel, and preach to the people of Tunk;" to which the sailor 
3 



2 mSTOEY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH OOUNTT. 

answered, " Gad Hitchcock of Tunk ! well, damn me, if I ever 
before heard such words put together in my life." * 

Isaac Peirce,t a soldier in the, Narragansett expedition of 
King Philip's war, is believed to have resided in that part of 
Pembroke now Hanson. He removed to that part of Mid- 
dleborough now Lakeville, where he died Feb. 28, 1732, in 
the 71st, year of his age. His father Abraham Peirce, the 
emigrant, owned considerable tracts of land in this town. He 
died in or about 1673. 

A company of uniformed militia existed here for several 
years. It was commanded by Capt. Ebenezer B. K. Gurney, 
and belonged to the third regiment of Light Infantry, in sec- 
ond Brigade, First Division, Mass. Volunteer Militia, Colonel 
Eliab Ward, of Middleborough, commanding the Regiment. 
Brigadier General Henry Dunham, of Abington, the Brigade, 
and Major General Appleton Howe, of Weymouth, the Di- 
vision. Capt. Gurney was succeeded by Capt. William H. 
H. Bryant. 

* Rev. Gad Hitchcock served as Chaplain of Col. Thomas Doty's 
Regiment in 1758. Sergeant Setb Tinkham, clerk of Capt, Benjamin 
Pratt's company in Col. Doty's Regiment, kept a diary of the marching 
and fighting done by that regiment, aqd made several allusions to Rev. 
Mr. Hitchcock as follows : 1758, August 9. " I went with a party to 
Load Battoes and heard Mr. Hitchcock preach from Psalms." " Sept. 
3d I heard Mr. Hitchcock preach in the Dutch meeting House from 
Hosea, Chapter 13th, 9th verse." 

t Isaac Peirce, the Narragansett Soldier, was ancestor to most the 
Peirces living in Middleborough and Lakeville. His great grand sou 
Abial Peirce was a capta!n in the French and Indian War, and Capt. 
Abial and three brothers or four of one family were captains in the Pa- 
triot Army in American Revolution. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk. — Josephus Byrant. 

Selectmen Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor — E. B. 
K. Gurney, Joseph B. Howland, Joseph Holmes. 

Treasurer and Collector. — Josephus Bryant. 

School Committee. — John W. Pratt, Mrs. W. I. Holmes, 
Otis L. Bonney. 

Constables. — Elias C. Poole, Charles C. Wiley, Charles 
Atwood. 

Appropriated $1,500 for schools, $1,300 for the poor, 
$1,200 for roads, $500 for town officers, $100 for abatement, 
$1000 for debts, $800 for interest, $300 for incidentals; 
$7,700. 



LAKEVILLE. 8 

Unitarian Church. — Meet at Unity Hall, no settled Pastor. 

Baptist Church. — Rev. J. B. Reed; Pastor. 

Congregational Church. — Rev. S. L. Rockwood, Pastor. 

Justices of the Peace — with date of appointment. — 
Nathaniel Cushing, July 3, 1820 ; Thomas Hobart, Aug. 
28, 1828 ; Charles Cushing, Feb. 20, 1929 ; Oliver Whitten, 
Aug. 27, 1829; Isaac B. Barker, Jan. 6, 1830; Joshua 
Smith, Oct 1, 1833 ; David Prouty, Feb 4, 1842 ; Charles 
Cushing, Dec. 17, 1842 ; Thomas Smith, Feb. 9, 1846 ; 
Isaiah Bearce, Feb. 26, 1851 ; Joseph Smith, May. 20, 1856. 



LAKEVILLE. 



Those readers of current literature "who suppose that all 

the interesting localities of our time-honored commonwealth, 

have been described and brought into general notice through 

the medium of that almost universal 

" Pen and press, to which we poor mortals owe 
All we believe, and almost all we know," 

we beg most respectfully to assure of their mistake, and 
while so doing, to add that there " yet remaineth" at least one 
little town unknown to modern fame, and which has escaped 
almost all notice from historic, fanciful or sensational writers, 
in fact the whole family of book-makers, newspaper corres- 
pondents and scribblers, and that little town is no more and 
no less a place than the romantic locality called Lakeville, in 
the county of Plymouth, and formerly a part of the time- 
honored old town of Middleborough, Mass. 

Middleborough had been settled upon by the white people, 
passed both in title and occupancy from the aborigines of the 
soil, and been incorporated as a township, several years prior 
to the commencement of that greatest and most bloody of 
New England conflicts, King Philip's War, which by just 
one century ante-dated the American Revolution, or war for 
Independence, and that part of ancient Middleborough now 
Lakeville, was the abode of white men even then. 

Lakeville, therefore, as a part of Christendom or boasted 
civilization can claim a history of more than two hundred 
years, and as part or parts of that history are embraced 
many important incidents and facts in the details of the sev- 
eral wars in which the country has been engaged. 

Going back in the record to the dim and far distant past, 
and recalling to mind those scenes which preceded and events 



■ft mSTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

that ushered in that conflict between races, " King PhiMp's 
war," when and where " The hopes of the Kedman 'perished^'' 
and we find that momentous event the killing of the educated 
and *' Praying Indian" Sausaman occurred upon the soil of 
Middleborough, and there are good reasons for, believing that 
it was on that part now embraced within the incorporated 
limits of Lakeville. 

Sausaman, leaving the haunts, homes and associations of his 
brethren the red, men his kindred, according to the flesh, 
sought companionship with the whites, early settlers of Ply- 
mouth, and Massachusetts colonies, accepted tl\eir religious 
faith, and gave his attention to books, received instruction in 
the white man's school or college, in short became civilized 
and one of a band of christianized heathen, then denominated 
and known as *' Prnying Indians^ 

Returning to the Indians he became a kind of personal 
or private secretary to the chieftain Metacom or King Philip, 
son of good old Massasoit. 

Some difficulty perhaps caused him again to leave the Indi- 
ans, and seek a home among the white people, whose ears he 
filled and whose fears he was successful in awakening by mis* 
chievious tattling and tale bearing of the plots and plans 
King Philip was laying and concocting to bring about a war 
of extermination upon the English, and ridding the country 
of their presence, cutting off* and destroying '* root and branch." 

This conduct of Sausaman, coming as it did to the ears of 
King Philip, caused him to seek his destruction, and the in- 
dians under orders from their chief, soon found an opportu- 
nity of capturing Sausaman, and slaying him. 

Fearing the result, should a knowledge of the fact come to 
the white people, the Indians found means to hide the body 
of Sausaman under the ice of " Assaicamset Fond" a very 
considerable part of which is in Lakeville. 

Some English settlers standing upon a bank of the pond 
witnessed the act of putting the body of Sausaman under the 
ice, and gave information to the authorities of Plymouth Col- 
ony, who visited the spot and recovered the body, which up.on 
examination appeared to have suffered violence and gave con- 
vincing proof that death had not resulted from drowning. 

Several indians were apprehended and charged with the 
crime of murdering Sausaman, tried by a Jury consisting in 
part of white men and part indians, and some of those thus 
charged and tried, were by the Jury found guilty, and by the 
government of Plymouth Colony, sentenced to suff'er death, 
and executed. 

This act of hanging the indians, served eff'ectually to hasten 



LAKEVILLE. 5 

on the terrible war that soon followed, and one of the battles 
of which was fought upon the soil of Lakeville. 

Tipsaquin led the indians, and Capt. Benjamin Church the 
white people in that battle that was fought upon the southerly 
bank of " Assawamset Po7id'" near a small stream connecting 
its waters with those of " Long Pond" so called. 

A bridge now spans the little stream where that battle was 
fought, and over which runs the road through that part of 
the town known as " Asmwamstt Neck" and thence by the 
old stage route to New Bedford. 

It was within that portion of ancient Middleborough now 
Lakeville, that a reservation of land to the indians was made 
and occupied and improved by the small remnant of a once 
powerful tribe for many years. 

Amalgamating as the indians did with negroes, the occupants 
of these reserved lands finally became more African than Na- 
tive American, and in 1850 or about 23 years ago, report said 
that only one Indian remained, who early the next year lost 
his life, being drowned in " Assawamset Pond." 

The Indian reserve is now occupied by negroes, but still 
retains its name, that by which it has been known for about 
two hundred years, viz : *' BeUy\s Neck " 

Thomas Nelson, ancestor of the large and respectable family 
of that name, purchased lands in Middleborough, now Lake- 
ville, and that part called " Assawamset Neck." This pur- 
chase he ipade in 1714, or about one hundred and sixty years 
since, and his lands then purchased were bounded on two 
sides by territory then owned by the indians and reaching en- 
tirely across " Assawamset Neck," from the " Assawamset 
Pond" at one end, to " Long Pond" on the other. 

He, with his family, removed to and settled on his purchase 
in 1717, and these were the first or earliest English settlers 
upon Assawamset Neck. 

^_, Hope Higgins was the maiden name of Mr. Thomas Nel- 
son^s wife". She attained to a great age, one hundred and five 
years and seven months. Eight years before her death she 
enunierated as her lineal descendants two hundred and fifty- 
seven persons ; and these at her death had increased to about 
three hundred and thirty-seven. She ^vas interred in the 
ancient cemetery on the southerly side of Assawamset Pond, 
and a slate stone bearing an inscription marks her grave. At 
the date of Mr. Nelson's removal to Assawamset Neck his 
family consisted of the following named children, born at the 
dates hereafter mentioned : 

Hannah, born April 10, 1699. She married Jabez Wood, 
Jan. 20, 1719, or two years after coming to reside at Assaw- 



6 HISTORY or TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

amset Neck. Hope, born Dec. 23, 1700. Johr), born Ang. 
1, 1702 married Abiah Leonard. Oct. 13, 1726, and he died 
June 6, 1732. Lois, born Aug. 19, 1704, married Jedediah 
Thomas March 12, 1724. Ruth, born Feb. 25, 1706, mar- 
ried Henry Thomas Nov. 30, 1726. Elizabeth, born June 
3, 1708. Thomas, born April 12, 1710, married Judith 
Peirce of Middleborough, Dec. 2, 1736. He died March 7, 
1768. His wife Judith died Jan. 22, 1792. Sarah, born 
Aug. 17, 1712. William, born May 20, 1714 married 
Elizabeth Howland Oct. 2, 1740. Foxell, born June 22, 
1716. These ten children were born to Thomas Nelson by 
Hope his wife, before going to reside upon Assawamset Neck 
now a part of Lakeville, and two children were born there, 
viz., Amos, born Dec. 31, 1718, and Ebenezer, born Dec. 22, 
1721, or just one hundred and one years after the landing of 
the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 

Mr. Thomas Nelson was one of the earliest, if not indeed 
the first of those inhabitants of ancient Middleborough who 
embraced the tenets and doctrines taught by the Calvinistic 
Baptists. He had been a member of the worshiping congre- 
gation and perhaps of the church under the pastoral care and 
teaching of Rev. Thomas Palmer, second minister of the first 
Congregational Church in Middleborough, whose habits were 
such that he was finally deposed from the ministerial office. 

Mr. Thomas Nelson discovered such evils in Rev. Mr. 
Palmer as gave a turn to his mind about religious principles, 
the final result of which was to cause him to become a Bap- 
tist, and ere long to join the first Baptist church in Swanzey, 
which was the first of that denomination in Massachusetts. 

A Baptist church was formed in that part of Middlebor- 
ough now Lakeville, in 1757, and Rev. Ebenezer Hinds, of 
Bridgewater, soon after removed thither, and in 1758 was or- 
dained as its pastor. He was succeeded in the ministry by 
Rev. Simeon Coomb's. 

The first meeting house of this Calvinistic Church was re- 
moved from the adjoining town of Freetown, that part called 
New or East Freetown, once Tiverton. , 

This edifice was accidentally destroyed by fire that also 
communicated with and burned the parsonage house that 
stood near. 

Another house of worship wa,s erected, but never entirely 
finished, and becoming somewhat dilapidated, was demolished 
about thirty years ago. 

Their third and last house was commenced in or about 1843, 
but like the second, was never entirely finished. It was taken 
down about two years since. 



LAKEVILLE. 7 

Jabez Wood and wife, Hannah Nelson, were the parents of 
Rev. Jabez Wood, pastor of the Baptist church in Swanzey. 

William Nelson and wife, Elizabeth Howland, were the pa- 
rents of three Calvinistic Baptist ministers, namely : Rev. 
William Nelson of Norton, Rev. Samuel Nelson of Raynham, 
and Rev. Ebenezer Nelson of South Reading, and grand- 
parents of Rev. Ebenezer Nelson Jr., of Lynn. 

Thomas Nelson Jr., son of Thomas Nelson and wife, Hope 
Higgins, was born, as already stated, April 12, 1710, and he 
became a very useful man in his day, and was of great ser- 
vice to those of his generation, in proof of which it is only 
necessary to cite the fact that he was elected and served as a 
Selectman of Middleborough, for the term of twelve years, 
and for as long a time Moderator of the annual town meet- 
ing, and for fourteen years represented that town in the gen- 
eral court at Boston. 

Under King George Second, he received the commission 
of Lieutenant in the fourth company of the local militia of 
Middleborough, which commission was in 1762 renewed to 
him under King George Third, Joseph Leonai-d being at the 
same time commissioned Captain of the company, and Isaac 
Peirce, Ensign. This company belonged to the 1st regiment 
Plymouth County militia. 

Lieut. Thomas Nelson Jr., and wife, Judith Peirce, were 
the parents of John Nelson born Oct. 25, 1737, and who 
figured quite conspicuously as a patriot in the war of the 
Revolution. 

John Nelson was commissioned a Lieut, of fourth company 
in Middleborough in or about 1773, promoted to Junior or 
Second Major of fourth regiment Plymouth county militia. 
May. 9th, 1776; Colonel, July first, 1781. He was also for 
many years one of the Justices of the Peace for that County, 
and a Selectman of the town of Middleborough. As a Major 
he served both in Rhode Island and at New Bedford (then 
Dartmouth) in the war of the Revolution ; Ebenezer Sprout, 
of Middleborough being his Colonel ; Ebenezer White, of 
Rochester, Lieut. Colonel; and Israel Fearing, of Wareham, 
Senior or First Major. 

His wife was Hope, a di ughter of Capt. John Rounsevill of 
East Freetown. Col. John Nelson and Hope Rounsevill were 
married Nov. 5th, 1760. He died Sept. 11,1803. She 
died Dec. 28, 1820, aged 85 years. 

Lieut. Thomas Nelson and wife, Judith Peirce, were the 
grand parents of Hon. Job. Nelson a graduate of Brown 
University at Providence, R. I., and who studied law and lo- 



8 SISTOEY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOETH COUNTY. 

cated for practice, at Castine, Me. and in 1804 received the ap • 
pointment of Judge of Probate for the county of Hancock, that 
he continued to hold until 1886, a period of about 32 years. 
Judge Nelson died July second, 1850. Judge Nelson was a 
brother of Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, a Calvinistic Baptist min- 
ister at Attleborough. 

The late Job Peirce Nelson, Esq., was also a lineal de- 
sendant of Thomas Nelson and wife, Hope Higgins, through 
their son Lieut. Thomas Nelson and wife, Judith Peirce, grand- 
son Thomas Nelson and wife, Anna Smith, and great grand- 
son Deacon Abial Nelson and wife, Sally Peirce. 

Job Peirce Nelson was born in Middleborough, now Lake- 
ville, Oct. 17, 1806, joined in marriage with Fatima Baker of 
Upton, Mass. Oct. 9, 1834, and died Dec. 3, 1862. He was 
mainly instrumental in effecting the division of the town of 
Middleborough, and setting off a part as a new and distinct 
town, the voters of the part thus set off, by a handsome ma- 
jority in open town meeting, deciding should be incorporated 
under the name of Nelson, in token of their respect for the sub- 
ject of this notice, but which his modesty led him to oppose 
and discourage, when the name of Lakeville that it now bears 
was substituted for that of Nelson. He was a justice of Peace 
for Plymouth County, was born, lived and died on the farm 
purchased by his great great grand father, Thomas Nelson in 
1714, and a part of which had descended to him as a birth- 
right through the successive generations that had owned, oc- 
cupied and improved, (but never sold) it, for a term of one 
hundred and forty-eight years, and that still remains as the 
home of his children. 

The Congregational Church in Lakeville was formed in or 
about 1724, and Rev. Benjamin Ruggles ordained Pastor. 
He here continued in the work of the gospel ministry about 
thirty years and was succeeded by Reverend Caleb Turner 
who was ordained in 1761. Rev. Mr. Crafts succeeded Mr. 
Turner and then the pulpit was for several years filled by 
Rev. John Shaw. This church and society have had three 
meeting houses. The third and last house is that now occu- 
pied, and was built about 37 years since. 

A religious association called *' United Brethren,^^ was 
formed in that part of Middleborough now Lakeville, about 
eighty years ago. This association was subsequently organ- 
ized as a church, and known as the Fourth Baptist Church in 
Middleborough. 

Their place of worship was the *' Pond Meeting House" so 
called that stood on the southerly bank of Assawamset Pond, 
and erected in or about 1796. Destroyed by fire in 1870. 



LAKEVTLLE. 9 

The Christian denomination erected a church edifice on 
" Mullain Hill" so called, about thirty years since, that is still 
occupied as a place of worship by the Christian church and 
society of Lakeville. 

The " Free Will Baptists'^ have a meeting house in which 
they never meet. It stands in that part of the town called 
" Beach woods," and though comparatively a new house is 
in a very dilapidated condition. 

Isaac Peirce, a soldier in the Narragansett expedition of 
King Philip's war, died in that part of Middleborough now 
Lakeville, Feb. 28, 1732, in his 71st, year. He must have 
have been born in or about 1661. Was a son of Abraham 
Peirce, the emigrant, who arrived at Plymouth in 1623, and 
died in Duxbury in or about 1673. . 

Isaac Peirce Jr., a Quaker, settled in town in or about 1709 
and died here Jan. 17, 1757. He, with Benj. Booth, pur- 
chased a large tract of land lying in Taunton and Lakeville, 
(then Middleborough) January 23, 1709, being the date of 
the deed. 

The wife of Isaac Peirce Jr., was Judith, a daughter of 
John Booth of Scituate, Mass. She was born March 13, 
1680, and died May 4, 1733. 

Abial Peirce, (a grand son of Isaac Peirce Jr., and great 
grand son of Isaac Peirce the veteran soldier of King Philip's 
war), was born in that part of Middleborough now Lakeville, 
Sept. 10, 1733. As a private soldier he served in the ex- 
pedition to Acadia for the removal of the neutral French or 
Acadians in Sept. 1755, and re-enlisted into the army July 
15, 1756, served in a company commanded by Capt, Samuel 
N. Nelson. Continuing in the service, he was made a Cor- 
poral, and on the fourth of May 1759, a Lieut, and as a com- 
missioned officer, he took part in the battle at Quebec, Sept. 
13, 1759, being an eye witness to the fall and death of Gen. 
Wolfe. The next year Lieut Abial Peirce was made a captain 
in the army of the frontier, and performed a tour of duty in 
the field, his company being a part of Col. Willard's Regt. 
Capt. Abial Peirce in the capacity of a private soldier, a cor- 
poral, lieut. and capt. was imperiling his life in the battle field 
during most of the time intervening between the summer of 
1755, and the treaty of peace concluded and signed at Paris. 
Feb. 10, 1763. 

Twelve years later, the veteran captain of the " French and 
Indian war " promptly responded to the ^'Jirst call " of his op- 
pressed and bleeding country, leading one of the five com- 




Old Farm House of Capt. Job Peiuce, taken down in 1870. 



LAKEVILLE. 11 

panies of Middleborough, which took th© field on the 19th of 
April 1775, amid the stirring scenes of Lexington and Con- 
cord. On the rolls at the State House, Capt. Abial Peirce's 
company is called the second company in Middleborough. 

As a large part of that company resided within the present 
limits of Lakeville, the names of its several members properly 
should be made to constitute, as it really is, a part of the rev- 
olutionary history of that town, and hence we here present a 
copy of the roll of Captain Abial Peirce's company of Minute 
Men, as the same appears in the archives of the Secretary of 
State, at Boston. 

Abial Peirce, Captain ; Joseph Macomber, First Lieut. ; 
Benjamin Darling, Second Lieut. ; Josiah Smith, Richard 
Peirce, Elias Millar jr., and Job Macomber, Sergeants ; Bach- 
ellor Bennett, Jedediah Lyon, Samuel Eddy, and John Bly, 
Corporals ; Caleb Simmons, Drummer ; and Nathaniel Fos- 
ter, Fifer. 

Private Soldiers. Job Peirce, Samuel Hoar, David Thomas 
second, Michael Mosher, Jesse Pratt, Jacob Hayford, Job 
Hunt, Henry Bishop, Consider Howland, Noah Clark, Cor- 
neilus Haskins, John Rogers, Lebbeus Simmons, Caleb 
Wood, John Booth, Ithamer Haskins, John Reynolds, 
Nathaniel Macomber, Levi Jones, Josiah Smith jr., Malachi 
Howland jr., Zachariah Paddock, jr., Rufus Howland, Silva 
Purrington, John Fry, jr., John Douglas, jr., Ebenzer L. 
Bennett, Samuel Miller, Isaac Canedy, Daniel Reynolds, Ru- 
fus Weston, Ziba Eaton, Isaac Miller, Nehemiah Peirce, Sam- 
uel Bennett, Joshua Thomas, Calvin Johnson, Joshua Read, 
Cryspus Shaw, James Willis, Sylvanus Churchill, Samuel 
Macomber, Richard Omey, Israel Thomas, Ichabod Read, 
Samuel Ransom and Daniel Jucket. 

When men were enlisted for a longer term of time, and 
the necessities of the the case required the raising of a Con- 
tinental Army, Captain Abial Peirce enlisted another com- 
pany, consisting of sixty-nine men, of whom five belonged 
in Abington, twenty-five in Bridgewater, twenty-five in Mid- 
dleborough, ten in Rochester, and four in Wareham. This 
company was a part of Colonel Dike's regiment, on duty for 
a time at or near Boston. Captain Abial Peirce died Dec. 
26, 1811. He was buried in South Middleborough, but no 
stone bearing an inscription tells where he lies. 

Job Peirce (a brother of Captain Abial Peirce and great 
grand son of the Narragansett Soldier), was born in what is 
now Lakeville, Nov. 29, 1737, and as a private soldier per- 
formed a short tour of duty in a company of the local mill- 



12 HISTORY or TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

tia (commanded by Captain Joseph Tinkham), upon an alarm 
in 1757, occasioned by an attack made by the French upon 
Fort William Henry. 

In the war between England and France, that quickly fol- 
lowed, and which in this country acquired the name of " French 
and. Indian "War," Job Peirce faithfully and honorably served 
out three enlistments, dated April 5, 1758, April 6, 1759, 
and March 24, 1762, receiving his final discharge at the ter- 
mination of the war. While serving on the first of these en- 
listments, he was a soldier in Captain Benjamin Pratt's com- 
pany of Colonel Doty's Regiment, and participated in the 
disastrous attempt to take Ticonderoga from the French, in 
which, added to other very serious losses sustained by the 
English, their intrepid and popular leader ]|^ord Howe was 
killed. 

His second enlistment was passed on duty in Nova Scotia, 
and at its close he took passage on board a government trans- 
port, bound for Boston, but encountering a severe storm they 
were driven far off the coast, and reduced to an almost un- 
manageable wreck, that at the mercy of the waves drifted 
about until the passengers and crew were on the verge of 
starvation, when they succeeded in reaching land, upon one 
of the West India Islands. 

So long was his absence prolonged, that his parents had 
given him up, and mourned for him as dead, when one 
Sabbath morning during religious service at the church, they 
were overjoyed to see him enter the house and take a seat in 
their family pew, having reached home soon after the family 
had left home to attend the services of the sanctuary. 

From the close of the French and Indian War, to the com- 
mencement of the war af the Revolution, a period of about 
twelve years. Job Peirce was industriously engaged in the 
avocation and labors of a farmer, and realizing the truth of 
that proverb, " the hand of the diligent maketh rich.''' 

The tocsin of war sounding the " Lexington Alarm" so 
called, had no sooner reached his ear, than like Putnam, he 

" Left his ploughshare in the mold, 
Flocks and herds without a fold, 
And mustered in his simple dress 
For wrongs to seek, a stern redress ; 
To right those wrongs, come weal, come woe, 
To perish or o'ercome the foe." 

In the company of '* Minute Men,'' (commanded by his 
brother Captain Abial Peirce), Job Peirce served as a private 
soldier, and in the early attempts to raise ^ continental army 



LAKEMLLE. 13 

Job Peirce was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and served 
at Roxbury, in a company commanded by Captain Nathaniel 
Wood, it being a part of Colonel Simeon Carey's regiment. 

May 9, 1776, Job Peirce was promoted to Captain, and 
the next year commanded a company of 93 men in Colonel 
Theopholus Cotton's regiment, on duty in Rhode Island, the 
" secret expedition,''^ so called. 

He was also in the field, and helped to repel the British 
soldiers and frustrate their attempt to burn the village of 
Fairhaven, September 17, 1778. 

Twas not alone as a soldier, brave, self-denying, and patient 
in the endurance of hardship, that Job Peirce acquired the 
esteem, love and respect of those with whom he had to do, 
for his were the triumphs of peace as much, and perhaps even 
more, than those of war. His courage in war was not ex- 
ceded by his good conduct in peace, for he was ever " diligent 
in business, serving the Lord," and both by precept and ex- 
ample, ever exercising a healthfull moral and religious in- 
fluence. To religious and benevolent enterprises his heart 
and hands were always open, and no other man of his time in 
Middleborough, bestowed so much money on objects of char- 
ity. He was the donor of Peirce Academy. He died July 
22, 1819. 

Henry Peirce, a brother of Captaiijs Abial and Job Peirce, 
was born in that part of Middleborough now Lakeville, in or 
about 1743, and at an early age imbibing the military spirit 
of his brothers, enlisted into the army and performed a tour of 
duty in the field when only seventeen years of age. 

This his first tour of dutv was performed in Captain Abial 
Peirce's company, of Colonel Willard's Regiment. 

March 24, 1762, Henry Peirce, commenced upon the duties 
of a second enlistment, and in the company of Capt, Ephraira 
Holmes, in which command his brother Job Peirce served at 
the same time. 

Their services closed with the ending of that war termina- 
ted by the treaty of peace concluded at Paris^ in France, Feb. 
10, 1763. At the " Lexington Alarm," April 19, 1775, 
Henry Peirce served in the company of " Minute Men" com- 
manded by Capt. Isaac Wood, of Middleborough, and re- 
paired to Marshfield, to administer a quietus to those people 
of that town who had banded together under the name of 
** Associated Loyalists." He soon after assisted Captain Levi 
Rounsevill of Freetown, in raising a company for Colonel 
Brewer's regiment, in Patriot army of Revolution, in which 
company he received the commission of a Lieutenant. 



14 mSTORT OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Capt. Rounsevill's company was enlisted in the towns of 
Freetown, Dartraputh, and Middleborough, and as some of 
those enlisted in the town last named, resided in that part 
now Lakeville, we give the Middleborough list entire. Lieut. 
Henry Peirce ; Sergeants, Joseph Macomber, Job Hunt and 
David Trouant; Corporals, Hilkiah Peirce, and Richard 
Peirce ; Drummer, Leonard Hinds ; Privates, William Arm- 
strong, Joseph Booth, Ephraim Douglas, Henry Evans, An- 
thony Fry, Levi Simmons, and Nathan Trouant. 

At Rhode Island, in 1777, Henry Peirce, who had been 
promoted to a Capt. commanded a company in Coionel The- 
opholus Cotton's regiment, and several of this company lived 
in what is now Lakeville. Capt. Henry Peirce's company on 
that tour of duty consisted of the following named persons. 
Henry Peirce, Captain ; Peter Hoar, Lieutenant ; and George 
Shaw, Ensign. Non Commissioned Officers ; Amasa Wood, 
Daniel Ellis, Joseph Wood, Roland Leonard, Geo. Hackett, 
William Hall, James Le Baron, Nathaniel Cole, Israel Eaton, 
and Haziel Purrinton. ^ 

Private Soldiers : Churchill Thomas, Jeremiah Thomas, 
Andrew Cobb, Samuel Sampson, James Palmer, Elijah Shaw, 
David Fish, Jacob Soule, Hazael Tinkham, Jabez Vaughn, 
Samuel Barrows, Joseph Bennett, John Morton, John Mor- 
ton, 2nd, Roland Smithy»Rounsevill Peirce, Peter Thomas, 
Edmund Weston, Joseph Tupper, Lemuel Lyon, William 
Littlejohn, Daniel Cox, Thomas Pratt, David Pratt, Abia, 
Booth, Ebenezer Howland, Josiah Kingman, Jacob Perkins, 
Luther Pratt, Seth Wade, Noah Haskell, Lemuel Raymond, 
Manasseh Wood, Francis Le Baron, Asaph Churchill, Sam- 
uel Thomas, Nathaniel Thomas, Edward Washburn, William 
Bly, Joseph Macomber, Lemuel Briggs, Jonathan Wescott, 
Ephraim Dunham, Isaac Harlow, Nathaniel Cobb, Andrew 
Ricket, Jonathan Porter, James Porter, James Sprout, and 
John Thrasher. Commissoned 3, Non-Commissioned, and 
Musicians 10, Privates 50. Total, 63. 

About three ye»rs later viz., in the month af Aug. 1780, 
Capt. Henry Peirce was again on duty in Rhode Island, com- 
manding a company in the regiment led by Lieut, Colonel 
Ebenezer White, of Rochester, the members of which com- 
pany were nearly, if indeed not quite all residents of what is 
now Lakeville, and whose names were as follows : Henry 
Peirce, Captain ; Peter Hoar, Lieut. ; Ezra Clark, Ensign. 
Non-commissioned Officers ; Ebenezer Hinds, Robert Hoar, 
Joseph Booth, Nathaniel Macomber, Benjamin Booth, Henry 
Edminster, and Ebenezer Hayford. Private Soldiers, Josiah 



LAKEVILLB. 15 

Holloway, Ezra Reynolds, John Reynolds, Benjamin Rey- 
nolds, Elections Reynolds, Isaac Reynolds, Enos Reynolds, 
Ebenezer Howland, Samuel Howland, John Howland, Joshua 
How'land, Eseck Howland, John Hoar, John Holloway, Rich- 
ard Parris, Samuel Parris, Uriah Peirce, George Peirce, Seth 
Simmons, Lebeus Simmons, Jacob Sherman, Earl Sears, Na- 
than Trouant, Daniel Collins, John Church, and Roger Clark. 
At the reorganization of the miltia consequent upon the 
adoption of a State constitution, Capt. Henry Peirce was com- 
missioned by Gov. John Hancock, to command a company of 
the local militia in Middleborough, (that called the " Seventh 
companij,''^ ov more) familiarly known as " Beach Woods Com- 
pany.'' As all this company was included within the present 
limits of Lakeville, we give a copy of the names borne upon 
its roll, both of *•' train hand and alarm list,'' as a means of 
determining who were " able bodied white male citizens" of 
this locality, 92 years ago. 

Train Band. 
Henry Peirce, Captain ; Peter Hoar, Lieut. ; Robert Hoar, 

William Cancdy, Bradock Hoar, Howland, Sergeants ; 

Lebbeus Simmons, Seth >Simmons, Corporals ; Stephen Hath- 
away, James Peirce, Enos Peirce, George Peirce, Simeon Peirce, 
Seth Keen, Joseph Keen, Philip Haskius, Josiah Holloway, 
John Allen, Samuel Parris, Isaac Parris, Moses Parris, Seth 
Borden, William Strobridge, John Haskins, John Thrasher, 
Joseph Booth, Benjamin Booth, Ebenezer HafFord, Barnabas 
Clark, Samuel Record, Isaac Smith, Jonathan liaffbrd Samuel 
Howland, Henry Edminster, Consider Howland, Ebenezer 
Howland, Rufus Howland, Eseck Howland, John Hoar, Wil- 
liam Hoar, Isaac Hathaway, David Pratt, Seth Ramsdell, 
Jacob Sherman, and David Bramin, Private Soldiers. 

Alarm List. 

Daniel Jucket, Joseph Booth, Josiah Smith, Nathaniel 
Clossen, Job Chase, Ezra Clark, Richard Peirce, and Abraham 
Peirce. Train Band, 45 ; Alarm List, 8 ; Total, 53. 

Captain Henry Peirce died Jan. 22, 1791, and his remains 
were interred in the ancient cemetery, on the southerly bor- 
der of Assawamset Pond, his grave being marked by suitable 
stones bearing inscriptions. 

Seth Peirce, a brother of Captains Abial, Job^ and Henry 
Peirce, wasljorn in Middleborough now Lakeville, in or about 
1747. At the " Lexington Alarm," he served in a company 
commanded by Captain Nathaniel Wood, which command, 
upon the records at the State House in Boston, appears under 



16 mSTOEY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH OCUNTY. 

the title of First Company of militia in Middleborough. The 
local militia of that town then existed in the form of four 
companies, of which the first and second responded at the 
first call, or ** Lexington Alarm," as it came to be called. 
Removing to Shutesbury, in Hampshire (now Franklin, Coun- 
ty, while the war of the revolution was progressing, he was 
commissioned Captain of a company raised for the Patriot 
army, and from enlistments in the towns of Leverett, North- 
field, New Salem, and Shutesbury, and consisting of 75 men, 
with which he repaired to the fields of re volutionary strife. 

July 1, 1781, Capt. Seth Peirce was commissioned to com- 
mand a company of the local miltia of Shutesbury, and was 
a Selectman of that town four years. His last years were 
spent at Hardwick, in Worcester county, which town he rep- 
resented in the general court in 1806. He married four 
times. He died February 26, 1809. Was buried in Hard- 
wick, and has suitable grave stones. 

Ebenezer Peirce, anottter brother of the foregoing Capt- 
tains Abial, Job, Henry, and Seth Peirce, lost his life while 
serving as a private soldier iu the Patriot army of the Ameri- 
can Revolution, being on duty at Newport, Rhode Island. 

Few families in any part of our country can show so pa- 
triotic a record. Of a family of six sons, all were engaged 
in fighting the battles of the revolution, four attaining not 
only to the rank and commissions, but exercising the command 
of Captains, on the battle-field, and one sacrificing his. life for 
his country, and neither of the surviving five (four of whom 
had served the country as soldiers in two warsj, received or 
applied for a pension from the governmeut. 

Nor did this spirit of true manliness, uncommon devotion 
to noble principles and love of country die with that genera- 
ation, but was in some good degree transmitted to their pos- 
terity, inhabiting this and other towns of this State, and even 
to children's children, now residing at the far West. Capt. 
Abial Peirce's oldest son, William Peirce, born in Middle- 
borough, June 2, 1759, removed to the State of New York, 
and lost his life while serving in the army in the late war 
with England, sometimes called the war of 1812. He died 
Nov. 5, 1812, and consequently must have been more than 
fifty years of age, not liable to draft or service in the militia, 
and therefore a volunteer in the arduous enterprise that cost 
him his life. 

A great grand son of Capt. Abial Peirce, who bears up 
and honors both the given and surname, removed to the State 



LAKEATLLE. 17 

of Iowa, where he was elected to a seat in the Legislature, 
which place he promptly resigned, that he might respond to 
the " first call" for soldiers, in the late war of the Eebellion. 
He was made Captain of Cavalry, and in the battle of " Pea 
Ridge" had a horse shot from under him. 

June 20, 1863, Capt. Abial R. Peirce, of 4th regiment 
Iowa cavalry, was promoted to Major, and in the performance 
of the duties of which office he had five horses shot under 
him. Since the war, he has been elected to the Senate of 
Iowa. 

That alarm of April 19, 1775, found the veteran captain of 
the ■•■' French and Indian War," at his plow in the peaceful 
fields of agriculture, in the ancient old colony town of Mid- 
dleborough, while that of April 19, 1861, eighty-six years 
later, was sounded in the ears of his great grand son, occu- 
pying a seat in the Legislative hall, of a new and rapidly 
growing State, and with the same alacrity that the former re- 
linquished his agricultural pursuits, did the latter resign his 
office as a legislator, with its safety and ease, honors and 
emoluments, and in worthy imitation of former, hasten to 
respond to the^rs^ call of his bleeding country. 

William R. Peirce, oldest son of Capt. Job Peirce, was 
born in Middleborough, April 19, 1764, and was consequently 
eleven years of age, the day that the soils of Lexington, and 
Concord, were wet with the first blood ot the Revolution, 
and although only eighteen at the close of that war, yet had 
he served as a soldier in the Patriot army, at Rhode Island, 
■ and as a sailor in the Patriot navy, was captured, carried to 
England, and confined as a prisoner of war, and liberated at 
the declaration of peace. Became a master mariner, and 
died on the Island of Saint Bartholemew, May 15, 1794. 

Job Peirce, second son of Captain Job Peirce, was born in 
Middleborough now Lakeville, Dec. 12, 1767 ; on attaining 
to manhood he went to Assonet Village, in Freetown, where 
he engaged largely and very successfully in merchandise and 
ship building, and was noted for his great liberality, and be- 
nevolence. Died Sept. 22, 1805, and was buried with mili- 
tary honors by the military company, of which he held the 
commission of Captain, at the time of hia decease.* 

* Job Peirce, jr., was commissioned Captain of the first company in 
the local militia of Freetown, Aug. 21, 1801, and held that office until 
his death, Sept. 22, 1805. Although never a professor of religion, he 
was mainly instrumental in establishing the Christian denomination in 
Freetown, a sect now the most numerous of any in that place,. Ho 
was Town clerk in 1802, and Auditor of the town accounts in 1803. 
3 



LAKEVTLLE. 19 

Levi, third son, born Oct. 1, 1773, (was named for his 
mother's brother. Captain Levi Rounsevill, Capt. of Minute 
Men, of Freetown, and also Captain in Continental army), Levi 
Peirce was commissioned Major of fourth Regiment in Ply- 
mouth County Brigade, June 8, 1809, Senior Major in 1812.* 
Honorably dischaged in 1816. Commanded a Battalion of 
the coast guard in last war with England. Member of Con- 
stitutional Convention, 1820. Post master, and Justice of 
the Peace. The following is copied from his tomb stone : 

" Deacon Levi Peirce, died Aug. 22, 1847, aged 74 years. 
At his own expense, he built the meeting house of the Cen- 
tral Baptist Church, in Middleborough, and liberally endowed 
it, and remained Deacon of the same, from the time of its 
formation, till his death, a term of twenty years, using the 
office of Deacon well. The righteous shall be had in ever- 
lasting remembrance." 

Peter Hoar Peirce, seventh son of Captain Job Peirce, was 
born March 25, 1788, died Jan. 27, 186L He was a mem- 
ber of Mass. Senate, Justice of Peace, and Coroner, Capt. of 
militia from Feb. 18, 1814, Major, 1816, Lieut. Colonel, 
April 25, 1817, honorably discharged 1823. 

In the last war with England, he commanded a company 
of the coast guard, stationed at or near Plymouth. As a part 
of that company resided in what is now Lakeville, we give 
the roll entire. Peter H. Peirce, Captain ; Luther Mur- 
dock, Lieutenant; Orrin Tinkham, Ensign; Thomas Bump, 
Hercules Eichmond, George Shaw, Ezra Wood, and Ichabod 
Wood, Sergeants ; Daniel Hathaway, Andrew Warren, 
Abner Leonard, and Daniel Thomas, Corporals ; Oliver 
Sharp, and Paddock Tinkham, Musicians ; Jeremiah Wood, 
Levi Wood, Cyrenus Tinkham, Gideon Leonard, Peter 
Vaughn, Jos. Clark, Edmund Ellis, Eliphalet Doggett, Oliver 
L. Sears, Nathan Perkins, Josiah D. Burgess, Joseph Water- 
man, Isaac Thomas jr., Joshua Atwood jr., Andrew McCully, 
Daniel Norcut, Seth Weston, Abel Howard, Ben. Leonard, 
Cyrus White, Beniah Wilder, Levi Thomas, second, Calvin 

* The oflBce of Senior Major, to which Levi Peirce was promoted in 
1812, was the same, aud required of him the performance of precisely 
the duties now devolving upon a Lieutenant Colonel. A militia regi- 
ment, was then commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, 
and the other field officers were a Senior Major, and Junior Major 
When Levi Peirce, was Senior Major of 4th Kegiment, his brother-in- 
law, Abial Washburn was Lieut. Colonel Commandant, and Ephraim 
Ward, second Major or Junior Major. On the resignation of Levi 
Peirce, Ephraim Ward succeeded him as Senior Major, and Peter H 
Peirce, -was promoted from the office of Capt. to that of Junior Major* 



• 20 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

% 
Dunham, Caleb Tinkham, Abraham Thomas jr., Rufus Alden, 
jr., Daniel Weston, Joseph Paddock, Nathaniel Macomber, 
William Ramsdell, John C. Perkins, Edward Winslow jr., 
Isaac Cobb, Thomas C. Ames, Unite Kinsley, Levi Haskins, 
George Ellis, Cornelius Tinkham, Samuel Cole, Thomas 
South worth, Daniel Vaughn, Cushman Vaughn, Sylvanus T. 
Wood, Cyrus Nelson, Augustus Bosworth, Lorenzo Wood, 
Jacob Bennett second, Andrew Bump, Josephus Bump, Na- 
than Reed, Benejeh Peirce, William Littlejohn jr., Warren 
Bump jr., Francis Billington jr., Joseph Standish, Earl 
Bourne, George Caswell jr., Israel Keith, Sylvanus Vaughn, 
Leonard Southworth, Elisha Shaw, William Cole, James 
Cole, Rodolfus Barden, and Sylvanus Barrows, Privates. 

Beside the Nelson and Peirce families, among the early 
settlers of what is now Lakeville, was the Hoars, who prob- 
ably came from Taunton. Samuel Hoar married Rebecca 
Peirce, a daughter of Isaac Peirce, the soldier in Narragansett 
War. The children of Samuel Hoar and wife Rebecca, 
were Samuel, born Aug. 12, 1716, died April 5, 1736, Rob- 
ert, born May 23, 1719, married Sarah WilHs, of Bridge- 
water, she died January 13, 1753, and he for a second wife 
married Judith Tinkham, of Middleborough, Oct. 4, 1753, 
and she died Feb. 26, 1761. For a third wife he married' 
Rachel Hoskins, Feb. 26, 1761. 

• William, born Dec. 30, 1721, married Jan. 31, 1745, 
Sarah Hoskins, of Taunton, she was a daugh«-er of Henry 
Hoskins of Taunton, a blacksmith, and born of his wife, 
Abigail Godfrey, and a grand-daughter of William Hoskins, 
of Taunton, a soldier in the Narragansett war. William 
Hoar, was deacon of the Calvinistic Baptist Church, herein 
noticed, of which the Rev. Mr. Hinds, was the first pastor. 
Deacon William Hoar, died April 25, 1795. Sarah, his wife, 
died Nov. 15, 1774. They were the parents of Braddock 
Hoar, a patriot soldier in the war for Independence, and who 
afterward removed to the State of New York. Peter Hoar, 
a Patriot officer in the war of American Revolution, was a 
son of Robert Hoar, and born of his second wife, Judith 
Tinkham. 

At the Lexington alarm, Peter Hoar served as a private 
soldier, in a company of Minute Men, commanded by Capt. 
Isaac Wood, and next as a Sergeant in Captain Job Peirce's 
company, on duty in Rhode Island, and being promoted to 
Lieut, served under Capt. Henry Peirce, at Rhode Island, 
(Col. Cotton's Regiment), in 1777, and Lieut. Col. White's 
regiment, in 1780. He also performed duty in the field as 



LAKEVnXE. ^ 21 

Lieut, of Capt Edward Sparrows* company, in Col. Tyler'^ 
regiment. At the reorganization of local militia in 1781, he 
was commissioned Lieut, of the 7th company in Middlebor- 
ough, and promoted to Capt. of 2d company, June 6, 1793, 
Junior Major of 4th regiment in Plymouth County Brigade, 
in 1797, Senior Major, July 22, 1800, honorably discharged, 
in 1806. He died March 12, 1815, aged sixty years. Was 
a Selectman of the town of Middleborough, fifteen years; 
Representative to general court, three years, and a Justice of 
Peace from 1811, until his death. Distinguished for his gen- 
erosity, liberality, and benevolence. 

The 7th company in the local militia of Middleborough, 
having been entirely within the limits of Lakeville, a list of 
its successive commanders properly constitutes a part of the 
history of this town. 

Capt. Henry Peirce, from July 1, 1781, to 1787; James 
Peirce, from July 17, 1787, to 1796 ; Abanoam Hinds, from 
1796, to 1802 ; *Elkanah Peirce, from May 4, 1802, to 1807 ; 
Elisha Briggs, from 1807, to 1811 ; Sylvanus Parris, from 
March 20, 1811, to 1815 ; Ethan Peirce, from June 6, 1815, 
to 1822 ; Apollos Reed, from 1822, to 1827 ; John Stro- 
bridge, from May 19,1827, to 1829 ; Samuel Hoar, from 
June 6, 1829, to May 30, 1831; Silas P. Ashley, from 1831, 
to 1837. 

A large part of the 4th company in Middleborough, was 
in what is now Lakeville, and its commanders were as follows. 

Joseph Leonard, from 1759, to 1773 ; AVilliam Canedy jr., 
from 1773, to Sept. 19, 1775 ; Job Peirce, from May 9, 1776, 
to 1778; Amos Washburn, from 1778, to 1781 ; Abraham 
Shaw, from July 1, 1781, to 17 — ; John Smith, from 178- ; 
Ebenezer Briggs, from Aug. 4, 1794, Elias Sampson 
Ebenezer Pickens, from 1807, to 1814 ; David Sherman, from 
May 3, 1814, to 1821 ; Abial Sampson, from 1821, to 1826; 
Richard B. Foster, from 1826, to 1828 ; Horatio G. Clark, 
from July 19, 1828, to Jan. 23, 1829 ; James Pickens, from 
May 29, 1829, to May 30, 1830 when the 4th company 
was disbanded, and the members enrolled in the 7th com- 
pany, then under Capt. Samuel Hoar. 

The following named gentlemen residing within the limits 
of Lakeville, held commissions, in the militia higher than 
that of Captain. 

Brigadier General. — Ephraim Ward, from January 
27, 1825, to 1828. 

Colonels. — John Nelson, from July 1,1781, to 1787. 
Ephraim "VYard, April 25, 1817, to January 27, 1825. 



23 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Lieutenant Colonels. — Peter Hoar, from July 22, 1800, 
to 1806, Ephraim Ward, from 1816, to April 25, 1817, 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, from April 3, 1852, to Nov. 7, 1855. 

Majors. — Elkanah Leonard, 17 — ; John Nelson, from 
May 9, 1776, to July 1, 1781 ; Peter Hoar, from Jan. 4, 
1797, to July 22, 1800; Ephraim Ward, from 1812, to 
1816; Harry Jackson, from January 29, 1823, to 1823; 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, Aug. 1851, to April 3, 1852. 

Names of gentlemen bom in that part of Middleborough, 
now Lakeville, and who held military commissions higher 
than that of Captain, after going to reside elsewhere. 

Brigadier General. — Abial Washburn, from September 
4, 1816, to Dec. 1824. 

Colonel. — Abial Washburn, from July 22, 1800, to 
Sept. 4, 1816 ; Edward G. Perkins, from 1837, to 1839. 

Lieutenant Colonels. — Abial Washburn, from Jan. 4, 
1797, to July 22, 1800; Levi Peirce, from 1812. to 1816; 
Peter Hoar Peirce, from April 25, 1817, to 1823 ; Edward 
G. Perkins, from May 7, 1834, to 1837. 

Major. — Abial Washburn, from May 1, 1794, to Jan. 
4, 1797; Levi Peirce, from June 8, 1809, to 1812 ; Peter H. 
Peirce, from 1816, to April 25, 1817; George Ward, from 
May 1850, to 1851. 

Names of gentlemen who were residents of Lakeville, and 
received commissions higher than that of Captain, after going 
to live elsewhere. 

Brigadier General. — Eliab Ward, from April 1850, to 
Oct. 1855 ; Ebenezer W. Peirce, from Nov. 7. 1855, to Dec. 
13, 1861 ; when he received the appointment of Colonel in 
the army 

Colonel. — Eliab Ward, from July 10 1844, to April 1850. 

Lieutenant Colonel. — Eliab Ward, from Aug. 1843, to 
July 10, 1844. 

Justices of the Peace — in time past and present. — 
Elkanah Leonard, John Nelson, Peter Hoar, Abial P. Booth, 
Abner Clark, Oliver Peirce, Thomas Doggett, Job P. Nel- 
son, Luther Washburn, Abizah T. Harvey, Reuben Hafford, 
Jireh Winslow, Job Peirce, Harrison Staples, Churchill T. 
Westgate W. H. Southworth. 

Coroner — Ebenezer W. Peirce, appointed Jan. 7, 1854. 

First list of town officers, elected immediately after the in- 
corporation of the town in 1853. 

Selectmen and Assessors — Reuben Hafford Esq., Ezra 
McCulley, and Nathaniel Sampson. 



LAKEYILLE. 23 

Overseers of the Poor — Eleazer Richmond, Job Peirce, 
and Ebenezer W. Peirce. 

Clerk and Treasurer — Isaac Sampson. 
Constable — Churchill T. Westgate. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873. 

Moderator — W. H. South worth. 

Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector — C. T. Westgate. 

Selectmen and Assessors — Leonard Washburn, Sydney 
T. Nelson, James P. Peirce. 

Overseers of the Poor — Eleazer Richmond, James P.* 
Peirce, Job Peirce. 

School Committee for three years — Henry L. Williams, 
Mrs. Job Peirce, E. W^. Barrows. 

Auditor — Uriah Sampson. 

Constables — John Cudworth, John Dean, H. B. Coombs. 

Fence Viewers — Leonard Washburn, S. T. Nelson, James 
P. Peirce. 

Fish Wardens — John Cudworth, John Dean, H. B. 
Coombs. 

Field Drivers and Pound Keepers — P. C. Dean, J . P. 
Peu'ce, O. S. Robbins, W. Canedy, J. Cummings, B. H. Reed, 
W. A. Coombs, S. T. Nelson, E. Richmond, Charles Shock- 
ley, John Mea.!^, Jireh Win slow, John Shaw, S. D. Pickens. 

Surveyors of Jlighway — Leonard Washburn, A. C. South- 
worth, J. H. Nelson, E. W. Williams, S. T. Nelson, Lewis 
Parris, Leander Winslow, Simeon Baker, John Allen, H. L. 
Williams, J. M. Godfrey, J. E. Ashley, 

Surveyors of Wood, Bark and Lumber — Charles R. Rich- 
mond, Cephas Haskins, James P. Peirce, John Cudworth, 
JohnF. Allen, Leander Winslow, Enos Peirce, JobT. Tobey. 

Keeper of Town Pound — Abram Shaw. 

Justices of the Peace — with date of their appointment. — 
Job P. Nelson, May 14, 1851 ; Reuben Hafford, May 14, 
1851; Thomas Doggett, Jan 4, 1853; Harrison Staples, 
May 31, 1856. 

Voted to raise the sum of $3200 for the support of schools 
and to defray town expenses, and $1300 for the repair of 
Highways. 

Congregational Church at Precinct — No settled Pastor. . 

Christian Church — No settled Pastor. 

Lakeville Library Association — Rooms at N. Miller Samp- 
son's, J. F. Montgomery, President. 



!24 mSTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

The Lakeville Post Office is near the depot of the O. C. & 
N. K. R. ; Cephas Haskins, Esq., Postmaster. 

No Post of the Grand Army in Lakeville, Members of 
that association residing here generally belong to the Eben- 
ezer W. Peirce Encampment, or Post 8, Middleborough, and 
of which, for the present year, Job Morton Staples, of Lake 
ville, is Commander. 



MATTAPOISETT. 



Mattapoisett is a word from the lAdian language, and said 
to signify rest. 

Indians living a few miles back from the seaboard, used fre- 
quently to come down to the shore at this place for the pur- 
pose of obtaining fish and clams, and at an adjacent spring 
stopped to rest, and hence the name that they gave that lo- 
cality, the river, and some of the surrounding country. 

Mattapoisett was formerly a religious parish in Rochester, 
set off as such during the ministry of Rev. Timothy Ruggles, 
and settling as their minister. Rev. Ivory Hovey, who in 1723, 
was succeeded by Rev. Lemuel Le Baron. These two gen- 
tlemen ministered in things spiritual to the people at this 
place for the full term of a century. Their next minister, 
was Rev. Thomas Robbins, D. D. who was believed to be the 
owner of the most valuable private library in the State. For 
further information concerning this library, see Rochester. 

Ship building formerly formed an itnportant branch of busi- 
ness at this place, as did also the whale fishery, but both are 
now nearly or quite relinquished. 

Rogers L. Barstow, Esq., an enterprising merchant, was 
largely interested in the whale fishery up to the time of 
death. 

As a business man Major Barstow, is greatly missed, and 
his death may justly be considered a great loss to the town, 
indeed a public misfortune, for as a public spirited citizen, 
•' he was a man take him all in all, whose liJce^' the people of 
this community will not probably soon possess as a neighbor, 
counsellor, and friend, or his equal in business capacity, •' to 
look upon again." 

Major Barstow, was nearly or quite a " teetotaler^* in prac-' 
tice, if not in principle. Ardent spirits he neither tasted, 
touched^ or handled. 



MATTAP0I3ETT, 25 

He -was mainly Instrumental in getting up a Light Infantry 
company, at this place, in 1842, and of which he was the 
first captain, with Loring Meigs, John T. Atsatt, and David 
Pratt as Lieutenants. 

This company belonged to the Bristol County Battalion, 
then composed of the " Norton Artillery" " Cohanet Rifle 
Corps," of Taunton, " Neiv Bedford Guards," * and " Matta- 
poisett Guards.'^ The Battallion was commanded by Major 
Benjamin E, Gulliver, of Taunton ; Captain Barstow next 
received the appointment as Quarter Master on the Brigade 
Staff of General Henry Dunham, of Abington. 

A few years later Captain Barstow was promoted to the 
office of Major of the third regiment of Light Infantry, 
Stephen Thomas of Middlborough, being Colonel, and Eben- 
ezer AY. Peirce of Lakeville, Lieutenant Colonel. 

Major Rogers L. Barstow, was elected a Representative to 
the General Court at Boston, and commissioned a Justice of 
the Peace for Plymouth County. 

Probably the first or earliest company of light infantry 
raised in that part of Rochester now Mattapoiselt, was author- 
ised by the following order : 

" Commonwealth of Massachusetts. — The Committee 
of the Council on Military Afiairs, to whom was referred the 
petition of Ebenezer Barrows and others, representing that 
the village of Mattapoisett, in which the petitioners reside, is 
situated on Buzzard's Bay, and in time of war exposed to the 
approach of the enemy in barges, which may be repulsed by 
well-disciplined infantry ; and that the standing Company in 
the villag-e contains on its roll one hundred and ten men ; 
and praying to be authorized to raise by voluntary enlistment 
a Company of light infantry — ask leave to report : that the 
object of the petitioners appears to be approved by the Com- 
manding officers of the regiment, brigade, and division, in 
which the petitioners reside ; and that it further appears that 
the facts set forth in said petition are true ; the Committee, 
therefore, for the reasons set forth in said petition, are of 

* This is what came to be spoken of at New Bedford as the " Old 
Guards," to distinguissh ,it from another company that succeeded it a 
few years later, and also called New Bedford Guards. The " Old 
Guards," were a large, elegantly uniformed, finely equipped and very 
excellently drilled company. Hon. H. G. O. Colbv, was their first 
commander. Hon. Lincoln F. Brigham, succeeded him. The last com- 
pany, had George A. Bourne, for their First Commander, and he waa 
succeeded by Timothy Ingraham. 



26 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

opinion that to grant the prayer thereof would conduce to the 
improvement of the militia, and in time of war add to the 
safety of said village. They therefore recommend that His 
Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, be advised to issue his 
orders, authorizing the petitioners to raise by voluntary en- 
listment a Company of light infantry, to be annexed to 
the 4th Regiment of the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, and 
when organized to be recruited within the limits of the town 
of Rochester ; provided, however, that before said Company 
shall be organized, not less than forty-five members be asso- 
ciated to form the same ; and that the organization thereof 
shall be completed in six months from the first day of July 
next, and not afterwards. Which is respectfully submitted. 

Marcus Morton, per order." 

"In Council, June 18, 1825. — The within Report is 
accepted, and by the Governor approved. 

Edw^ard D. Bangs, Secretary." 

"Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Head Quarters, Boston, 
June 21st, 1825. General Order. — The Commander-in- 
Chief, having approved the above written advice of Council, 
directs Major General Benj. Lincoln to carry the same into 
effect. By His Excellency's command, 

Wm. H. Sumner, Adj't Gen'l." 

" Head Quarters, New Bedford, July 5, 1825. Division 
Orders. — Brigadier General Ward is charged with the 
execution of the foregoing advice of Council and General 
Order of the 21st ultimo. 

By order of the Major General, Fifth Division, 

TiMO. G. Coffin, Aid-de-Camp. 

" Head Quarters, Middleborough, Aug. 5th, 1825. Brig- 
ade Orders. — Lieut. Colo. Benja. Wood, Commandant of 
the 4th Regt., 1st Brig., 5th Div., is directed to carry into 
execution the foregoing order of Council, general order, and 
division order of the 5th of July, 1825, and to effect the 
complete .organization of the Company alluded to in said 
order, as therein directed. 

By order of the Brig. Gen'l, 1st Brigade, 5th Division. 

Nathl. Wilder, Brigade Major." 



MATTAPOISETT. 27 

This company of light infantry was raised, and Ebenezer. 
Barrows elected and commissioned Captain of the same. 

At the first choice of field officers for the 5'h Regiment, 
Capt. Ebenezer Barrows was promoted to Lieut. Colonel. 

The following gentlemen, residing within the limits of 
•what is now Mattapoisett, held commissions in the local 
militia higher than that of captain : 

Lieut. Col. Ebenezer Barrows, in 5th Regt., 1st Brigade, 
5th Division, from 1826 to 1727. , 

Major Rogers L. Barstow, in 3d Regt. Light infantry, 2d 
Brigade, 1st Division Mass. volunteer Militia, from May, 
1853, to 1858. Resigned and was honorabjy discharged. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Assessors. — Frank- 
lin Cross, Wilson Barstow, Horace F. Shaw. 

Town Clerk. — Thomas Nelson. 
■ Treasurer and Collector. — Isaiah P. Atsatt. 

School Committee. — Wm. Weaver, George Purinton, Jr., 
Weston Rowland, Joshua L. Macomber, Joseph L. Cole. 

Constables. - R. W. Bowles, Charles H. Nye. 

Congregational Church (formerly First Parish, Rochester). 
Organized 27th July, 1736. Rev. Edward G. Smith, Pastor ; 
Amittai B. Hammond, Noah Hammond, Deacons : Supt. 
Sabbath School, Samuel Sturtevant. 

First Christian Church. — organized 1820 or thereabouts. 
Rev. Wm, Faunce, Pastor ; Gideon B. Barlow, Deacon ; 
Wm. R. Randal], Supt. Sabbath School. 

Universalist Church. — Organized April 25, 1859; meet- 
ing house built several years previously. Have no settled 
Pastor for some years. Ivory Snow, Deacon. 

Friends' Meeting — belonging to Long Plain Preparative 
Meeting, and to New Bedford Monthly Meeting. 
^JAdvent Chapel. — With no settled Pastor. Meetings held 
regularly. 



28 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH OCUNTY 

MIDDLEBOROUGH. 

In this brief sketch of one of the oldest, and until within 
a few years, superficially the largest town in the Common- 
wealth, it is not proposed to write all that can be or that ought ■ 
to be written, all that it would be pleasant to tell, agreeable 
to hear, or profitable to treasure up in the memory, as we 
have neither the materials, the time or opportunity, to collect 
the necessary facts, or the space in this work to present the 
same in an intelligible and readable form. 

One of the best men that our country ever produced, very 
truly remarked, " every particle of historic truth is precious," 
and to that conclusion of his, doubtless, we owe the knowl- 
edge of very many important facts in the early history 
of our country, that but for his appreciation of their value 
and importance, Avould have been suffered to pass into forget- 
fullness, and buried m oblivion. 

No inconsiderable portion of this town's history, has al- 
ready appeared in print, and may be found by reference to 
the reports of the Mass. Historical Society, the Bi-centennial 
address delivered in Oct. 1869, Barber's Historical Collections 
of Mass., Plymouth County Directory by Mr. Pratt, His- 
tory of the different churches in Middleborough, and perhaps 
other publications of equal merit. 

It is not to repeat what has been so well expressed, in these 
publications, or in any one of them, or to attempt the enu- 
meration and description of those highly important events and 
occurrences that form the most enduring land marks in the 
towns history, but rather to gather up and present to our rea- 
ders an account of circumstances and facts that have escaped 
the attention of most writers, but are nevertheless a part of 
the town's history, and are required to be known to enable 
any person to form correct conclusions concerning the whole. 

As a part of Indian domain, Middleborough had been des- 
ignated as " Namasket'^ and the tribe inhabiting the locality, 
were led by a sachem, called Tispaquin. 

Over forty years intervened between the date of the first set- 
tlement of the white people at Plymouth, and the incorpora- 
tion of Middleborough, and several years later, at the breaking 
out of King Phillip's War, or fifty-five years after Plymouth 
was settled, the white inhabitants of Middleborough were too 
few in numbers to offer successful resistance to the assaults of 
infuriated red men, but deeming discretion the better part of 
valor, retreated to Plymouth, leaving their possessions at the 
disposal of the savages, 




Ancient House in Middleboeough, taken i)0"mi in 1870. 
A part of it is said to have stood 200 years. 



I* 
30 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Among those inhabitants then fleeing to Plymouth, was 
John Nelson, who for several years was elected to the office 
of Selectman of Middleborough. 

Upon the conclusion of hostilities, John Nelson returned 
to Middleborough, and is believed to have continued there 
during the remainder of his life. What relation John Nelson 
was to the Thomas Nelson, who settled on Assawafhset Neck 
is not known. The wife of John Nelson was Mrs. Lydia 
Barnaby, of Plymouth, widow of James Barnaby of that 
place, and a daughter of Robert Bartlett, who came a passen- 
ger in the ship Ann that arrived in 1623. Lydia was born 
June 8, 1647. Her mother was Mary Warren, daughter of 
Richard Warren, a passenger in the May Flower in 1 620, 
and one of the eleven persons (in their company of forty) 
who were allowed the title of ** Mister.** 

Of those brave men that imperiled their lives, in*'* King 
Philip's War," Middleborough was for many years the home 
of one of the most distinguished. John Raymond, a soldier 
in Captain Joseph Gardiner's company of Salem, is said to 
have been the first man who entered the gate of the Indian 
Fort in the Narragansett country on that bloody afternoon, and 
in the most sanguinary conflict New England had ever seen, 
(Sunday Dec. 19, 1675.) His Captain, Joseph Gardiner, 
fell dead soon after entering the fort, being shot through the 
head. Daring the •* Witch delusion at Salem," the veteran 
soldier John Raymond fled for his life, from those he had 
thus defended, and for whose protection, he had exposed both 
life and limb, and in Middleborough, sought safety from fa- 
natical persecution and insane madness. It is gratifying to 
think that in Middleborough, this brave man, ill treated and 
unappreciated patriot, found a *' city of refuge," and haven 
of rest, that here 

" The broken soldier was kindly bade to stay," 

that here during the evening of his days, with none to hurt, 
harm, molest, or make afraid, he could 

" Weep o'er his wonnds, and tales of honor done," 
Shoulder his crutch, and show how fields were won." 

After coming to reside in Middleborough, John Raymond 
the Narragansett. soldier, became a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church here gathered, ** a soldier in the army of the 
Lord," and here at his death had his burial, and here .his 
grave remains till this day. The precise date of his admission 
to membership in the first Congregational Church in Middle- 
borough was April 29, 1722, when he was said to have been 



MIDDLEBOROUGH. 31 

in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and if so he must have 
been born in or about 1648. June 5, 1725, the noble old 
veteran went to an " inspection " by ^» great Searcher of all 
hearts, and passed in " grand review " before the God of 
Armies and " Lord of Hosts." Seventy and seven was the 
number of the years of his earthly pilgrimage, in which he 
was compelled to watch and fight and pray. 

Isaac Peirce, another soldier in the " Narragansett Expe- 
dition" who helped to fill the quota required from the 'town 
of Duxbury, became an inhabitant of Middleborough, (that 
part now Lakeville), and died there February 28, 1732, in 
the 71st. year of his age. 

He, in common with those who at setting out for the field 
of slaughter were mustered on Dedhara Plain, received, and 
trusted in the promise, that if he " played the man, took the 
fort and drove the enemy out of the Narragansett country, 
should have a gratuity of land," endured the difficulties those 
brave men went through in storming that fort in the depth of 
winter, and the pinching wants they underwent in pursuing 
those Indians that escaped through a hideous wilderness and 
which became famously known as the ** Hungry March." 

Although but seventeen years old, when this promise was 
made, the dangers shared and hardship endured, Isaac Peirce 
lived to attain the age of three score and ten years, to die 
and lie buried iri his grave several months before it was full- 
filled. Nearly sixty years of petitioning and anxious wait- 
ing was recmired, now that the dangers were over, to induce 
the government of Mass. to meet its obligation and voluntary 
proposition, redeem its sacred promise made to her brave de- 
fenders, who met and conquered those dangers and averted 
the impending ruin, that threatened speedily to come upon 
the country, when the promise was made. 

History continually repeats, itself Massachusetts was in- 
fluenced and acted then as Congress is acting now by defeating 
bills to allow bounty lands to loyal soldiers, in the late war, 
and with unblushing effrontery urging as an objection that so 
very large an amount of land, will be required to meet the 
demand, and thus Congress now, as the legislative body of 
Mass. did then, are waiting for the soldiers to die off and 
become to their view *' beautifully less" in numbers. Not- 
withstanding the large numbers slain on the battle fields of 
the late rebellion, there is no disguising the fact that too 
many, far to many, lived to return home, a great many more 
than politicians ever wished to see, and who they impatiently 



32 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

endure. No other government, or people ever treated her 
soldiers so ungratefully or so meanly in comparison with its 
power to recognize and* ability to reward. 

The first church in Middleborough, was gathered Dec. 26, 
1694, and Samuel Fuller ordained pastor. He died the next 
year, aged 66. He was greatly lamented. Eev. Thomas 
Palmer, was the next minister, and his habits were such as to 
bring scandal upon him, and he was deposed. In 1709, was 
ordained as their pastor, the Eev. Peter Thacher, who was 
faithful and successful in his ministry, for nearly 35 years. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Sylvanus Conant, ordained in 
1745, and who died of small pox in 1777. Next in order 
came Rev. Joseph Barker. He was ordained in 1781, and 
for a time represented a district in the House of Representa- 
tives in Congress. Rev. Israel Putnam also preached to this 
people, for quite a long term of years. 

The 2nd precinct formed in the southwest pari of Middle- 
borough, in 1719, fell within the limits of Lakeville, at the 
division of the town in 1853. For further notice. See Lake- 
ville. 

Another division in the original church took place in 1847, 
when was formed, at the village called the Four Corners, the 
" Central Congregatioual Church^ 

A Baptist church was formed in that part called Titicut, in 
1748, and Rev Isaac Backus the historian of the Baptist, or- 
dained as pastor. 

A second Baptist church was formed in 1757, and Rev. Eben- 
ezer Hinds, the next year was ordained pastor. This at the 
division of the town fell within the limits of Lakeville. 

A third Baptist church was constituted in the southeast 
part of the town of Middleborough, in 1761, and Rev. Eben- 
ezer Jones, ordained as pastor. He was succeeded in the 
ministry at this place, by Rev. Asa Hunt, of Braintree, 1771, 
and Rev. Samuel Nelson, of Middleborough, in 1794. Rev- 
erend Samuel Nelson, was a son of William Nelson of Mid- 
dleborough (now Lakeville), and a brother of Rev. William 
Nelson, of Norton, Rev. Ebenezer Nelson of South Reading, 
and an uncle of Rev. Ebenezer Nelson jr., of Lynn, Mass. 
Rev. Samuel Nelson was a grand son of Thomas Nelson, the, 
first or earliest member of the Calvinistic Baptist denomina- 
tion at Middleborough. 

A fourth Baptist church was formed in that part of Mid- 
dleborough now Lakeville, and worshipped in a church edi- 
fice called the " Pond Meeting House,', Rev. Ebenezer Briggs 
was their pastor. This meeting-house was changed into a 



MIDDLEBOEOXJQS. 3$ 

dwelling house and a grocery store, and a part made use of 
as a public hall, called " Sassamon Hall," in honor of the 
praying Indian slain near this spot by order of Metacom, or 
King Philip. This edifice was burned in 1870. It stood 
about seventy-four years. 

The " Central Baptist Church" in Middleborough, was 
formed in 1828, and a handsome church edifice, given to 
them by Major Levi Peirce, who held the office of deacon of 
that church for twenty years. He also liberally endowed the 
church. Added to this there are now two Methodist churches 
in town, one near Fall Brook, so called, and the other, at 
Four Corners Village ; and quite a body of Roman Catholics 
who hold religious services in Peirces Hall. 

In the French and Indian War, 1758, Captain Benjamin 
Pratt, raised a company that he took to the battle field as a 
part of Colonel Thomas Doty^s regiment. 

Nearly all this company, if not indeed every member, re? 
sided in what was then Middleborough, and consisted of the 
following named persons : Benjamin Pratt, Captain ; Silves- 
ter Richmond, and David Sears, Lieutenants ; Nelson Finney. 
Ensign ; Seth Tinkham, Lemuel Harlow, Silas Wood, and 
Abial Cole, Sergeants ; Archippus Cole, Seth Billington, 
Jesse Snow, and John Miller, Corporals ; Perez Tinkham, 
and Jacob Tinkham, Musicians ; Jacob Allen, Jesse Bry- 
ant. Joseph Bent, Abner Barrows, Abner Barrows, jr., 
Isaac Bennett, John Bennett, Samuel Bennett, Benjamin 
Barrows, Abraham Barden, William Barlow, Eliakim Bar- 
low, John Barker, Perez Cobb, Onesemus Campbell, Gideon 
Cobb, Gershom Cobb, William Cushman, Peter Crape, 
Thomas Caswell, Jesse Curtis, Ezekiel Curtis, Consider 
Chase, Jabez Doggett, Simeon Doggett, Ebenezer Dunham, 
Adam David, Elkanah Elmes, John Elmes, John Ellis, John 
Eaton, Asa French, William Fuller. Simeon Fuller, Jedediah 
Holmes, John Harlow, Zurel Haskell, Jeremiah Jones, Jere- 
miah Jones jr., John Knowlton, James Littlejohn, Robert 
Mackfun, Thomas Miller, David Miller, Noah Morse, John- 
athan Morse, Jacob Muxum, Isaac Nye, Thomas Peirce, Job 
Peirce, Paul Pratt, Francis Pomeroy, Samuel Pratt, Samuel 
Pratt jr., Henry Richmond, Nathan Richmond, Job Richmond, 
Moses Reding, Noah Raymond, Barnabas Samson, Jabez 
Samson, Jacob Samson, Obadiah Samson, John Samson, 
Crispus Shaw, Perez Shaw, Zebedee Shaw, Peleg Standish, 
Robert Seekell, Benjamin Streeter, private soldiers. 



S4 HISTORY OF TO^VNS IN PLYMOUTH OCUNTY 

Of the march of that company, Sergeant Seth Tinkham 
in a diary that he kejDt, recorded : " Middleborough May 
29, 1758, we met at Elijah Clapp's a little after sun rise, 
and drawed up our men into a body, and called the roll, 
and then marched to Major Howard's, in Briclgewater, 
seven miles. There went to dinner, and then we marched 
to Newcomb's, in Norton, and there overtook the cart that 
had our packs, there we staid all night, and laid up cham- 
bers." 

" May the 30, we marched by sunrise to Lieut. Man's, 
in Wrentham, eleven miles, there went to dinner, and then 
we marched to Dr. Corbett's, in Belliiigham, ten miles, 
went to supper. After supper, Mr. Hinds preached a ser- 
mon to us, there our cart overtook us, there we sta3'^ed." 

" May the 31, we marched to Mr. Graves' in Mendon, 
three miles, and there went to breakfast, and from there, 
we marched to John Holland's, in Sutton, fifteen miles, 
there went to supper, there the cart overtook us. 

June ye 1st, we staid at Holland's all day, because of 
ye rain, and Mr. Hinds preached to us in Holland's barn. 
June ye 2, we staid and settled our Billeting lloll, and paid 
off several Their Billeting money, in the afternoon we 
marched to Worcester 4 miles, and there slept. June ye 
3, we mustered our men by eight o'clock, in the morning, 
and drew up into a line with theKegiment, called over our 
Eoll, and then our Company marched off, then our Cap- 
tain left us and went to Boston. I and Archippus Cole 
staid at Worcester until next morning." 

These extracts from Sergeant Tinkham's diary serve to 
show how minute and particular he was in noting doAvn 
his observations and knowledge of the occurrences ot that 
march, and his entry, made under date of June 11, 1758, 
will probably remind some soldiers of the late war of the 
rebellion, of their, own experiences by " flood and field," 
and also the disregard paid to the Sabbath day, so common 
among all nations, when engaged in war. '"June 11, 
Sunday we marched till about noon. Through mud and 
water, over hills and mountains, the worst way that ever 
was, and about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Came up a 
thunder Shower, and wet us as wet as we could be we 
marched a Little Farther and Incampt and set our Centrys. 
John Bennett and Perez Cobb went back a mile to fetch a 
sick man Belonging to Captain Hodgers who was gone 
forward.'' 

This company participated in the disastrous attempt to 
tske Ticonderoga July 6 and 8, and under date of July 8, 



MIDDLEBOROUGH. 35 

1758, Sergeant Tinkham says: "We marched with the 
Light Infantry, They went forward. Col. Doty Brought 
up the Rear, in Sight of the Fort, there we Dra,wed up 

4 Deep the Light Infantry about ten Rods before us 
Expecting Every moment To be fired upon, in the mean 
time Col. Johnson with a party of Indians upon the 
west side of ye Lake marched up to the Top of a hill where 
he with his Indians fired upon the Fort, with the hideous yell- 
ing of the Indians, the worst noise I ever heard, and Drove 
a party of French into the Lake '* about Eleven o'clock the 
Regulars marched up and all the Rhode Islanders and a little 
past 12 o'clock they began To Fire upon the French, at the 
Breastwork which was made of heaped Timbers and a Treanch 
around it very strong, which was built after we drove the 
advanced guard off, had we gone forward at our first Land- 
ing, we could have got the ground. The Regulars Drawed up 
before the Breastwork, and fought against it with Small arms 

5 hours, the French would fire upon them with their Ar- 
tillery, and with one field piece killed 18 grenadiers dead 
upon the Spott, the number of men Lost is not ascertained, 
but by all accounts we Lost 3000 ; Besides wounded ; had 
Major Rogers had his Liberty, and done as he Intended we 
should have Drawed them out of their Breastwork, but Col. 
Bradstreet Come up with his Regiment, and Drove on and 
Lost allmost all his men, our Artillery Came up the Lake, 
allmost to us and then was ordered Back, I know not for what 
Reason, and towards night we was ordered back to the ad- 
vanced guard, and got there about 9 o clock, we had nothing 
to eat, the allowance we had before we Set out from Lake 
George, Avas not Enough for one Day, and we got no more 
untill we got Back." Jabez Doggett was wounded." 

" July 9, we was ordered to go on board our Boats and go 
back to Lake George, which we did, and Rowed all Day, 
without any thing to Eat, we got back about Sunset, but 
could Draw no allowance untill next day, and so had nothing 
To Eat that night." 

Three companies of " Minute Men," and two of militia from 
Middleborough, promptly responded to the first call of our 
country, on the ever memorable 19th of April 1775. These 
companies were commanded by Captains Abial Peirce, Na- 
thaniel Wood, Wm. Shaw, Amos Wade, and Isaac Wood, 
The greater part of Capt. Abial Peirce's company, as also some 
members of the other companies resided in that part of Mid- 
dleborough now Lakeville. Captain Abial Peirce had been a 



36 HISTOET OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Captain in the French and Indian War, fifteen years before, 
that of the American Revolution. 

When soldiers were required for a Continental Army, 
Captain Abial Peirce of Middleborough, raised a company 

Note to page 28. 

Until Lakeville was detached and set off from Middleborongli, in 
1853, the latter town was said to have contained a greater number of 
acres than any other in the State of Massachusetts. 
Note to page 28. 

Col. Benjamin Church made use of that expression in the preface 
to his history of King Philip's War, published in 1715. 

A great deal of interesting and valuable information concerning 
Middleborough, can be found by reference to the printed reports of the 
Mass. Historical Society, being communications of gentlemen who 
formerly resided here, but who long since started on that journey, 
from whose bourne no traveller returns. 

Note to page 28. 

The Indian name has of late years been applied to a manufacturing 
company, and the river has ever retained it. 
Note to paee 30. 

Bridgewater although equally exposed as Middleborough, sur- 
rounded as they were by the savage foe, and " strongly advised and 
solicited to desert their dwellings, and repair down to the towns on the 
sea side," resolutely kept their ground, and successfully defended their 
settlement. On the 8th of May 1676, Tispaquin, from Middleborough, 
with about three hundred of his Indians, made an assualt upon the 
town, and set fire to many houses, but as said the old chronicles, " the 
inhabitants issuing from their houses fell upon them, so resolutely that 
the enemy were repelled, and a heavy shower of rain falling at the same 
time, the fires were soon extinguished." The close proximity of Tis- 
paquin and his tribe was perhaps one reason why Middleborough was 
abandoned, and Bridgewater having been'' settled earlier was probably 
stronger and better prepared to defend itself than" Middleborough. 

Mrs. Lydia Barnaby of Plymouth, who after the decease of her hus- 
band, James Barnaby, became the wife of John Nelson, of Middlebor- 
ough, during her first marriage, had become the mother of James Bar- 
naby, jr. James Barnaby, jr., married Joanna Harlow, daughter of 
Sergeant William Ilarlow of Plymouth. James Barnaby, jr., was 
born in or about 1670. He purchased a farm in Freetown, for 
thirteen hundred pounds, which farm now, after the lapse of one 
hundred and forty-eight years, is still owned by his lineal descend- 
ants. The will of James Barnaby, bore date of June 22, 1726, and he 
died July 5th, 1726. Joanna, his wife, was born March 24, 1069, and 
she died Sept. 4, 1725. Their only son, Captain Ambrose Barnaby, 
was born at Plymouth, in 1706, died in Freetown, April 18, 1775. He 
married Elizabeth Gardiner, of Swanzey. 

Note to page 32. 

No religious meetings were held in their meeting house for many 
years, and it was finally sold, and remodelled into a hall called, " Sansa- 
mon Hall," and a part converted into a grocery store, together with a 
tenement for a family. Accidentally took fire and was burned to the 
ground, in the early part of 1870. Had stood about 75 years. 



MIDDLEBOROUaH. 37 

for Colonel Dyke's Regiment, and was put on duty at or near 
Boston. Captain Nathaniel Wood also raised a company that 
became a part of Col Simeon Cary's Regiment on duty at 
Roxbury ; of Captain Nathaniel Wood's Co. Job Peirce, a 
brother of Captain Abial. was a Lieutenant. Lieut. Job 
Peirce, was promoted to Captain ]\Iay 9th, 1776, and not 
long after commanded a company of men in an expedition to 
Rhode Island, where they served in a Regiment commanded 
by Colonel Theophilus Cotton, of Plymouth. 

Captain Nathaniel Wood's Company of Militia that re- 
sponded to the call of April 19th, 1775, entered on Rolls as 
1st Company of Militia, of Middleborough. 

Commissioned Officers. Nathaniel Wood, Captain ; Amos 
Washburn, Lieutenant ; Joseph Smith, 2d Lieutenant ; Non 
Commissioned Officers. Zebadee Sprout, Jesse Vaughn, 
Ebenezer Thomas, Barney Cobb, Sergeants ; John Pickens, 
Amos Wood, Joseph Ellis, Solomon Dunham, Corporals ; 
Zebadee Pratt, Drummer ; William Clapp, Fifer ; Caleb 
Thompson, William Bennett, Nathan Wood, Seth Miller, 
Ephraim Thomas, Jr., AYilliam Armstrong, Isaac Bryant, 
Isra:cl Rickard, Elisha Cox, William Raymond, Joseph Red- 
ding, John Darling, Ebenezer Smith, James Thomas, Perez 
Thomas, Andrew Cushman, Micha Leach, William Wood, 
David Shaw, John Hackett, Zurashada Palmer, George Rich- 
mond, George Leonard, Elezer Thomas, Jr., Samuel Pick- 
ens, Jr., Joseph Vaughan, Jr., Benjamin Leonard, Nathan 
Leonard, Jacob Miller, Nathaniel Thompson, Jonathan Sara- 
son, Jonathan Ryder, Samuel Raymond, Soloman Thomas, 
Seth Peirce, Caleb Tinkham, Jos. Richmond, Jr., Samuel 
Rickard, David Vaughfi, Edmund Wood, Privates. 

Captain William Shaw's company called on the rolls 1st 
company of " Minute Men" from Middleborough, April 
19th, 1775.* 

Commissioned Officers. W^illiam Shaw, Captain ; Joshua 
Benson, Jr., Lieutenant ; William Thompson, 2d Lieuten- 
ant ; Non Commissioned Officers. David Thomas, Ebenezer 
Cobb, 2d, James Smith, Caleb Bryant, Sergeants ; Job Ran- 
dall, John Soule, Peter Bates, James Cobb, Corporals ; Syl- 
vanus Raymond, Drummer ; Samuel Torry, Fifer ; Elisha 
Thomas, Nelson Finney, Lemuel Harlow, Isaac Thompson, 

* The first attempt to prepare for defence was by organizing military 
companies, each member of which pledged himself to be in readiness to 
march at a moment's notice, and bencethe ssame came to be called 
" Minute Men." After Lexington fight, these were succeeded by com- 
panies enlisted for a term of mouths or years. 



38 Bf STORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Edmund Wood, Jr., Zenas Cashman, Joseph Pratt. Phineas 
Thomas, Caleb Thompson Jr., Elisha Paddock. Nathan Ben- 
nett, John Soule, 2d, Gideon Cobb, Eliakim Barlow, Ephraim 
Cushman, Barnabas Cushman, Ichabod Benson, Ebenezer 
Raymond, Solomon Raymond, Thomas Bates, Asa Benson, 
Samuel Raymond, 2d, Elipha' Thomas, Silvas' Bennett, 3d, 
Joseph Thomas, William Le Barron, John Perkins, Joseph 
Shaw, Joshua Eddy, SethEddy, Jos' Chamberlain, Ebenezer 
Bennett, Ebenezer Briggs, 3d, Asa Barrows, Benjamin Bar- 
den, Jacob Thomas, Nathan Darling, John Sampson, Thomas 
Shaw, Japeth Le Baron, Abiezer Le Barron, Joseph Bennett. 
Private Soldiers. 

Captain Amos Wade's company of " Minute Men" from 
Middleborough, April 19th 1775, called on rolls, third com- 
pany of Minute Men. 

Commissioned Officers. Amos Wade, Captain-^ Archipus 
Cole, Lieutenant ; Lemuel Wood, Ensign ; Non Commis- 
sioned Officers. Isaac Perkins, Ichabod Churchill, Isaac 
Shaw, Joseph Tupper, Sergeants ; Isaiah Keith, Lot Eaton, 
Corporals; John Shaw, Drum^mer; Daniel White, Eifer ; 
Zebulon Vaughn, Abner Pratt, Nathan Pratt, Joseph Leopard 
5th, Elnathan Wood, Joseph Hathaway. Michael Leonard, 
David AVeston, Samuel Pratt, William Fuller, James Keith, 
Silas Leonard, Stephen Robinson, Daniel Hills, Stephen 
Richmond, Lazarus Hathaway, Peter Tinkham, Thomas 
Harlow, John Drake, Levi Hathaway, Moses Leonard, Solo- 
mon Howard, Nathaniel Richmond, Jonathan Washburn, 
Thomas Cobb, Edmund Richmond, Seth Richmond, 
Asa Richmond, Joseph Leonard , 3d, Solomon Beals, 
Jonathan Richmond, Zepheniah Shaw, Elijah Alden, Joseph 
Clark, Benjamin HafFord, Privates. 

Captain Isaac Wood's company of " Minute Men''' that 
marched from Middleborough April 19th, 1775, called on 
rolls 2d company of minute men. 

Commissioned Officers. Isaac Wood, Captain ; Corneilus 
Tinkham, Lieutenant ; Abram Townsend, Ensign ; Non Com 
missioned Officers. Abner Bourne, Joseph Holmes, John 
Benson, William Harlow, Sergeants ; Samuel Wood, Foxel 
Thomas, Abner Nelson, Joseph Churchill, Corporals ; Pere- 
gaine White, Drummer ; Seth Fuller, Fifer ; Robert Sprout, 
George Samson, Josiah Harlow, Gershom Foster, Ebenezer 
Elms, Consider Barden, Consider Fuller, John Barrows, 
John Townsend Jr., Gideon Southworth, John Smith 3d, 
Samuel AVood Jr., Elisha Clark, Abraham Parris, Noah 



MIDDLEBOROUGH. 39 

Holmes 2d, Ebenezer Barrows Jr., Elisha Peirce, Abisha 
Samson, Samuel Barrows, Peter Miller, George Thomas, 
Thomas Wood 2d, Eb. Howland, Moses Samson, Daniel 
Tinkham, Elisha Rider, Isaac Cushman, Abraham Shaw, 
Samuel Muxum, Jam es Shaw, Samuel Bansom, James Peirce 
Job Smith, Seth Samson, Levi Peirce, George Williamson, 
Abial Chase, John Tinkham Jr., Nat Holmes 3d, Peleg Hath- 
away, Peter Hoar, Andrew Cole, Aaron Gary, Bartlett 
Handy, Arodi Peirce, John HoUoway, James Ashley, Levi 
Jones, Jotham Caswell, William Bead 3d, Ephraim Bcynolds, 
Jonathan Hall, Joseph Hathaway, Samuel Parris, Ebenezer 
Hinds, Philip Hathaway, Isaac Hathaway, John Townsojid, 
Henry Peirce, Privates. 

Captain Peter H. Peirce, son of Capt. Job. Peirce, and 
Captain Greenleaf Pratt, each commanded a company, of the 
coast guard raised in Middleborough, and put on duty in or 
near Plymouth, in 1814. 

Major Levi Peirce, a son of Captain Job Peirce, was de- 
tailed, and served as a Major ofthe coast guard stationed at 
New Bedford and Fairhaveii, in the last war with England. 

The militia of Middleborough, from the date of incorpora- 
tion until about 1720, was embraced in one company. Then 
it was divided into two, known as first and second compa- 
nies, and about twenty years later, divided into three com- 
panies, and ere long into four, and thus continued until the 
war of the revolution, when again subdivided, and organized 
as seven companies. That part of the town of Middleborough 
now Lakeville, embraced all the 7th company, nearly or quite 
all the 4th, and a part of the 2d. Increase in population 
caused another division, so that at one time Middleborough 
had nine companies of local militia. Some of these were dis- 
banded at the raising of two grenadier companies, in the 
town in 1818. 

There existed in Middleborough for many years, two gren- 
dier companies known generally as " Middleborough Guards" 
and *' Old Colony Guards" the first named being raised from 
those members of the " train band" residing at and near the 
Eour ^orners village, and the other from those living near 
Fall Brook, and for which circumstance the last named com- 
pany came to be called " Fall Brook Co." The Middleber- 
ough Guards were organized pursuant to orders of which the 
following is a true copy. 



40 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

" Commonwealth of Massachusetts." 

In Council January 20th, 1818. 
The military committee to whom was referred the petition 
of Thomas Wood, and forty-three others, privates in a com- 
pany of militia in the town of Middleborough, commanded 
by Captain Enoch Haskins, praying, that said company may 
be disbanded and. annexed to the company commanded by 
Captain Sylvanus Warren, in order from the united compa- 
nies, to enlist and form a Grenadier company, observe that 
the Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of which 
said companies are a part, being the 4th Regiment in the first 
Brigade of the fifth Division of the Militia, approve of the 
object of the petitions, and state that the Captain of the com- 
pany to which they belong, has no objections to the proposed 
measure and that the Lieutenant has removed out of the 
bounds of the Brigade, while the Ensign explicitly gives his 
assent, and the committee further observe that the measure 
prayed for, meets the approbation of the Brigadier and Major 
Generals — report that His Excellency be advised to direct 
that the company first above mentioned, be disbanded, and 
that the non-ccrin missioned officers and privates thereof, be 
annexed to the company, now commanded by Captain Syl- 
vanus Warren, the limits of which shall be extended so as in 
future to comprehend the district of the disbanded company 
and to authorize Sylvanus Barrows, named for the purpose 
in said petition, to enhst from the said united companies a 
proper number of men, to form a company of Grenadiers 
which shall be annexed to the fourth Regiment aforesaid." 

" D. Cobb, per order." 
" In Council, January 22d, 1818. This report is accepted, 
and by tJre Governor approved." 

*' A. Bradford, Secretary of the Commonwealth." 
** Commonwealth of Massachusetts," 

'' General Order," 
" Head Quarters, Boston, February 25th 1818." 

*' The Commander in Chief having approved the 
above written advice of Council, directs the same to be car- 
ried into effect. Major General Nathaniel Goodwin will give 
the necessary orders for that purpose." 

" By His Exellency's command. 
Fitch Hall, Acting Adjutant General." 
*• Head Quarters, Plymouth, March 7th 1818." 
Division Orders. 

The Major General directs Brigadier Gen- 
eral Washburn, to issue the necessary orders for forming a 



MIDDLES OROUGH. 



41 



company of Grenadiers, in the 4t]i Eegiment, agreaable to 
advice of Council and General Orders of the 25th ultimo. 

By order of Major General, 5th Division, 
N. Hayward, A. D. C, to Major General. 

*« Head Quarters, Middleborough, March 11th 1818" 

Brigade Orders. 

The Brigadier General directs Colonel 
Ephraim Ward, to issue the necessary orders for forming and 
organizing a company of Grenadiers in the 4th Eegiment. 
" agreeable to above General and Division orders" 

" By order B. General, 1st Brigade, 

Nathaniel Wilder Jr., B. Major." 

The company was organized by the choice of Isaac Ste- 
vens, Captain. Lorenzo Wood, Lieutenant, and Sylvanus 
Barrows, Ensign. Stevens was Ensign of Captain Enoch 
Haskin's company, at the date of its disbaudraent. 

The commanders or captains of this Grenadier company, 
were as follows : 

Isaac Stevens from April 3d, 1818 to 1823. 

Sylvanus Barrows from Sept. 9th 1823 to 1827. 

Job Peirce, from April 24th 1827 to April 25th 1829, 

Eufus Alden, from June 8th 1829 to 1830. 

Josiah Tinkham, from April 28th, 1830, to 1833. 

Abial P. Wood, May 7th, 1833. to 1835. 

Morton Freeman, from April 2d, 1835, to 1840. 

Jacob T. Barrows, from 1840 to 1842. 

Amasa T. Thompson, from May 12 1842 to 1844. 

Daniel Atwood, from 1844 to July 10th 1844. 

Andrew J. Pickens, from Aug. 3d, 1844, to 1846. 

Dexter Phillips, from March 20th, 1846, to 1847. 

Arad Bryant, from February 20th, 1847, to 1849. 

Albert Thomas, from May 20th, 1849, to 1851. . 

Joseph Sampson Jr., from 1851 to Nov. 28, 1851, the date 
of its disbandment. 

The company disbanded by act of the Governor and. Coun- 
cil, January 20th 1818, was what was known as the " Second 
company" in the local militia of Middleborough, and had 
existed nearly one hundred years. It was formed as nearly 
as can now be ascertained, in 1720, and Nathaniel Smith 
commissioned as its first Captain. 

The bounds of this Second company extended into what is 
now Lakeville, to the brook that crosses the road in said town 
a little beyond the present residence of John H. Nelson. 
6 



42 HISTORY OF TOAVNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

The name of those gentlemen who successively held the 
office of Captain of the Second company, together with the 
dates of their commissions, as far as said dates are now 
within our knowledge, were as follows : 

Nathaniel Smith, 1720. 

Gideon Southworth. 

Nathaniel Smith, Jr. 

John Barrows. 

Robert Sprout. 

Abial Peirce, from April, 1775 to 1775. 

Abner Bourne, from June 2d 1780 to July 1, 1781. 

George Vaughan, from April 20, 1790 to 1793. 

Peter Hoar, from June 5th, 1793, to January 4th, 1797. 

Jabez Thomas, from Jan. 25, 1797, to 1799 

John Morton, from May 7, 1799, to 1802. 
Sylvanus Tillson, from May 11, 1802, to 1805. 

Nathaniel Cole, from May 7, 1805 to 1811. 

Ephraim Ward, from March 18, 1811, to October, 1813. 

Peter H. Pierce, from February 18, 1814, to 1816. 

Orrin Tinkham, from Sept. 10, 1816, to 1817. 

Enoch Haskins, from 1817, to January 20th, 1818, 

the date of disbandment by order of Governor and Council. 

The Second Grenadier company in the town of Middle- 
borough, that known as ** the Old Colony Guards," or " Fall 
Brook Company," was raised and organized according to the 
following orders. 

** In Council, May 11th, 1818. The military committee 
of Council, to whom was referred the petition of Poland 
Peirce, and other inhabitants of the town of Middleborough, 
requesting that the Military Company in said town, com- 
manded by Captain Nathaniel Hall, may be disbanded, the 
officers of said company appi'oving the measure, and the 
non-commissioned officers and privates of the same be 
annexed to the company now commanded by Capt. Pelham 
Atwood, and that said Peirce, and his associates may be per- 
mitted to form themselves into a Grenadier company, repect- 
fuUy report that His Excellency be advised to have the com- 
pany of militia in the town of Middleborough, commanded 
by Captain Nathaniel Hall, in the fourth Regiment, first 
Brigade and fifth Division, disbanded and the non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates of the same annexed to the ad- 
joining company now commanded by Captain Pelham Atwood 
and to direct that the limits heretofore of said Hall's com- 
pany shall hereafter be considered as forming a part of 
the aforesaid Captain Atwood's company, and likewise to 



MIDDLEBOROUGH. 43 

permit the aforesaid Roland Peirce, and his associates under 
the enlistment of Captain Nathaniel Hall, to form themselves 
into a company of Grenadiers together with such others as 
may hereafter join them from within the limits of said town 
of Middleborough, and when organized to have them an- 
nexed to the aforesaid fourth Regiment, provided however 
that none of the standing companies of Middleborough, are 
thereby reduced to a less number than is required by law. 

" D. Cobb, per order." 

Then followed from the Adjutant General, an order dated 
May 11th 1818, and from Major General Nathaniel Good- 
win of Plymouth, a Division order of May 19th 1818, and 
Brigadier General Abiel Washburn's Brigade order of May 
23d 1818, the last directed to Colonel Ephraim Ward of the 
4th Regiment, and the company was organized by the choice 
of Jonathan Cobb, Captain ; Loring Miller, Lieutenant ; and 
Darius Miller, Ensign. The Captains of this Grenadier 
company, with dates of commissions, were as follows : 

Jonathan Cobb, from July 16, 1818, to 1824. 

Darius Miller, from May 19, 1824 to September 12, 1828. 

Lothrop S. Thomas, from April 21, 1830, to 1834. 

Levi Morse, from Sept. 2'7th, 1834, to 1837. 

Sylvester F. Cobb, from Sept. 20, 1837, to 1842. 

Ichabod F. Atwood, from July 26, 1842, to 1847. 

George Ward, from 1847, to May, 1850. 

Stephen Thomas, from May 29, 1850, to April 3, 1852. 

Lothrop Thomas, from May, 1852, to ———18 — . 

Thomas Weston, from 185— to 1856. 

Robert M. Thomas, from 1856, to 1857. 

Sylvanus Barrows, from 1857 to 1857, the date of its dis- 
bandment. 

During the time that Ephraim Ward of Middleborough, 
(now Lakeville), held the oiSce of Brigadier General, the 
first Brigade of fifth Division, then embracing all the militia 
of Plymouth County, paraded and mustered twice as a Bri- 
gade, and at other times mustered by Regiment. Both mus- 
ters by Brigade were in the town of Halifax. The first on 
the farm of Thomas Drew, Esq., on Thursday the 20th day 
of September, 1826, and the other on the farm of Isaac 
Thompson, Thursday October 9th 1828. The Brigade con- 
sisted of five Regiments of Infantry, a Battalion of Artillery, 
and a Squadron of Cavalry, at the first muster, and the same 
at last save that the Cavalry had been reduced to one com- 
pany, commanded by Captain Ira Clark, of Rochester, and 
some part of which generally belonged in Middleborough. 



44 HISTORY OF TO"WNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

This company, with another of like arm in Bridgewater, 
were made a Battalion of Cavalry, commanded by a Major. 
The first captain of this company was Hushia Thomas of 
Middleborough. ,Williaili Bourne of Middleborough, who 
was commissioned as captain of this company of cavalry May 
22, 1797, was promoted to Major of the Battallion, Sept. 12, 
1803, and held that office until 1807. . 

Seth Southworth, and Nehemiah Leonard, of Middlebor- 
ough, were captains at later dates and Harry Jackson of Mid- 
dleborough now Lakeville, was Major. The local or stand- 
ing companies of militia in Middleborough, to the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary War, were a part of the first 
regiment, but at that date these, with the militia of Rochester, 
and Wareham, were detached and made to constitute a regi- 
ment known, as the " Fourth Regiment," * and of which the 
following named Middleborough gentlemen, held the office of 
Colonel. Ebenezer Sprout, from 1775 to 1781, John Nel- 
son from July 1, 1781 to 1787, Edward Sparrow, from 1794 
to 1796, Abial Washburn, from July 22, 1800, to Sept. 4, 
1816, Ephraim Ward, from 1817 to Jan. 27, 1825, Benja- 
min P. Wood, from 1826 to 1829, Darius Miller, from 1829 
to 1831, Thomas Weston jr., from 1831 to 1834, Edward 
G. Perkins, from 1837 to 1839, Nathan King, from 1839 to 
April 24, 1840. 

Names of Lieut. Colonels of the 4th regiment residing in 
Middleborough : William Tupper, from July 1st, 1781, to 
1785 ; Edward Sparrow, from 1787, to 1794 ; Abial Wash- 
burn, from Jan. 4, 1797, to July 22,1800; Peter Hoar, 
from July 22, 1800, to 1806 ; Jacob Cushman, from 1807 
to 1809 ; Levi Peirce from 1812 to 1816 ; Ephraim Ward, 
from 1816, to April 25, 1817; Peter Hoar Peirce, from 
April 25, 1817 ; Benjamin P. Wood, from 1823 to Sept. 4, 
1826 ; Southworth Ellis, from Sept. 4, 1826, to 1829 ; 
Thomas Weston, Jr., from Aug. 31, 1829, to 1832 ; Oliver 
Eaton, from 1832 to 1834 ; Edward G. Perkins, from 1834 
to 1837 ; Nathan King, from 1837 to 1839. 

Names of Middleborough gentlemen, who held the com- 
mission of a Brigadier General : Abial Washburn, from Sept. 
4, 1816 to Dec. 1824, Ephraim Ward, from Jan. 27, 1825 

* Before being Colonel of the new Fourth Regiment, Ebenezer Sprout 
had held the commission of Major in the First Regiment. 

The first field officers of Fourth Regiment, were Ebenezer Sprout of 
Middleborough, Colonel ; Ebenezer White of Rochester, Lieut. Colonel-; 
Israel Fearing of Wareham, First Major ; John Nelson, of Middlebor- 
ough, now Lakeville, Second Major. 



MIDDLEBOKOUGH. 45 

to 1828, Darius Miller, from 1831 to 1833, Eliab Ward, 
from April 1850 to Oct. 1855. 

The following named gentleman of this town held the com- 
mission of Field Officers, of the Third Regiment of Light 
Infantry. 

Colonels, EliabWard, from July 10, 1844 to April, 1850 ; 
Elnathan W. Wilbur, from May 1850, to Jan. 1853 ; Stephen 
Thomas, from March, 1853 to 1858. 

Lieutenant Colonel. Lothrop S. Thomas, from 1834 to 
1836; EliabWard, from 1843 to July 10, 1844; Daniel 
Atwood, 1^45 to 1850; Ebenezer W Peirce, April 3, 1852, 
to Nov. 7, 1855; Thomas Weston, 1856 to 1858. 

Majors. Daniel Atwood, from July 10, 1844, to 1845 ; 
Joseph Sampson, jr., from 1845 to 1849 ; Elnathan W. Wil- 
bur, from 1849 to May, 1850 ; George Ward, from May 
1850, to 1851 ; Ebenezer W. Peirce, from Aug. 2, 1851, to 
April 3, 1852 ; Stephen Thomas, April 3, 1852, to March, 
1853. 

Squadron of Cavalry. Wm. Bourne, Major. 

Battallion of Artillery. William Thomas, Major from 
1834 to 1836. 

Two companies of the Third Regiment, Light Infantry be- 
longed in Middleborough. The other companies were from 
Halifax, Plymouth, Hanson, Abington, Plympton. William 
Thomas, of Middleborough, as Major of the Plymouth 
County Battallion of Artillery, was promoted from the office 
of Captain of Hanover Artillery Company. 

July 1st 1781, John Nelson was promoted to Colonel, Wil- 
liam Tupper, Lieut. Colonel, and Edward Sparrow, Major. 
They were all of Middleborough. 

Colonel John Nelson lived in that part of Middleborough, 
now Lakevllle. His former residence is now the home of 
Lieut. James Sampson, his great grand son, who did good 
service in the Union Army in late war of Rebellion. He re- 
signed the offices of town clerk and town treasurer of Lake- 
ville, to take a place in that army. 

Colonel Edward Sparrow resided in that part of Middle- 
borough called Fall Brook. General Ablal Washburn was 
a son of Edward Washburn, of that part of the town now 
Lakeville. Abial Washburn received the appointment of 
Adjutant, when the Regiment was commanded by Colonel, 
(afterward General), Isreal Fearing of Wareham, and dated 
Oct. 2d, 1788 ; promoted to Major, May 1, 1794, Lieut. Col. 
Jan. 4, 1797, Colonel July 22, 1800, Brigadier General, 
Sept. 4, 1816. Honorably discharged in 1824. 



46 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Colonel (afterward Gen.) Ephraim Ward was a native of 
Carver. 

Colonel Benjamin P. Wood came from the State of Ver- 
mont. 

Ebenezer W. Peirce Encampment, Grand Army of the 
Republic, Post 8, of Mass. has its Head Quarters at the 
Four Corners Village, in Middleborough, Job Morton Staples, 
of Lakeville, Commander. Charles L. Starkey, Senior Vice 
Commander. Lyman Mason, jr., Junior Vice Commander. 
H. E. W. Petiy, Adjutant. Frederick Wood, Quarter- 
master. Simeon Harlow, Surgeon. Luther Crane, Chaplain. 
Benjamin W. Bump, Officer of the Day. Cyrus M. Vaughn, 
Quarter Master's Sergeant. 

Job Morton Staples, commander of Ebenezer W. Peirce 
Encampment was a soldier in the Second Regiment Mass. Cav- 
alry, in the late war of Rebellion, and a great grand son of 
Captain Henry Peirce, soldier in the French and Indian wars, 
and a captain in the patriot army of the Revolution. 

Justices of the Peace, with dates of appointment. 

Peter Oliver, 1748 ; John Fearing, 1755 ; Ebenezer 
Sprout, August 28th, 1775 ; Joshua White, August 28th, 
1775 ; Samuel Clark, April 7th, 1787 ; Isaac Thompson, 
April 26th, 1787 ; James Sprout, July 5th, 1789 ; John 
Nelson, July 18th, 1791 ; Nehemiah Bennett, February 20, 
1795 ; Wilks Wood, March 2d, 1800 ; David Richmond, 
May 24th, 1800 ; James Washburn, February 20th, 1804 ; 
Samuel Pickens, January 23d, 1808 ; John Tinkham, Feb- 
ruary 20th, 1808 ; William Thompson, March 5th, 1808 ; 
Zachariah Eddy, February 17th, 1810; Martin Keith, Sep- 
tember 3d, 1810 ; Peter Hoar, February 5th, 1811 ; Thomas 
Weston, February 22d, 1811 ; Seth Miller Jr., November 
14th, 1811 ; Hercules Cushman, October 29, 1811 ; Calvin 
Pratt, January 25th, 1812; William Canedy, August 3d, 
1812 ; Jacob Bennett, June 9th, 1813; Cyrus Keith, June 
9th, 1813; Thomas Sturtevant, June 9th, 1813; Abial 
Washburn, October 29th, 1814 ; WilHam Bourne, February 
16th, 1816; Charles Hooper, June 10th, 1817; Noah Clark, 
February 3d, 1818 ; Joshua Eddy Jr., January 23th, 1819 i 
Levi Peirce, June 19th, 1819 ; Amos Washburn, September 
7th, 1821 : Thomas Bennett, November 21st, 1821 ; Eben- 
ezer Pickens, January 16th, 1822 ; Isaac Stevens, January 
23d, 1822 ; Abner Clark, January 10th, 1823 ; Abial P. 
Boothe, August 26th, 1823 ; William Nelson, Februarv 17, 
1824 ; Oliver Peirce, Tebruary 17th, 1824; Peter H. Peirce, 
July 1st, 1825 ; Samuel Thompson February 15th, 1826 ; 




Ebenezer W. Peirce. 



48 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

Seth EBton, January 2d, 1828 ; Paul Hathaway, June 11th, 
1829; Arad Thompson, June 9th, 1830; Reeland Tinkham, 
June 16th, 1831; Joshua Hoskins Jr., April 24th, 1832; 
Benjamin P. Wood, March 26th, 1833 ; Bradford Harlow. 
March 26th, 1833 ; Luther Washburn, August 25th, 1835 ; 
Jonathan Cobb, March 18th, 1836 ; Abizer T. Harvey, Jan- 
urry 27th, 1837 ; Silas Pickens, March 15th, 1837 ; Eliab 
Ward, March 6th, 1838 ; Abisha T. Clark, August 24th, 
1841 ; Corneilus B. Wood, March 31st, 1842 ; Bela King- 
man, December 17th, 1842 ; Nathan King, January 5th, 
1843; Gamaliel Rounsevill, March 14th, 1843; George 
Sturtevant, March 14th, 1843 ; Stillman Benson, March 
14th, 1843 ; Tisdale Leonard, September 20th, 1843 ; An- 
drew Weston, October 31st, 1843 ; William H. Wood, Feb- 
ruary 3d, 1844; James G. Thompson, July 1st, 1845; 
ApoUos Hoskins, March 31st, 1846 ; Everett Robinson, July 
7th, 1848 ; Philander Washburn, June 5th, 1849 ; Ichabod 
F. Atwood, October 2d, 1849 ; Zebulon Pratt, April 25th, 
1850 ; Joshua Wood, March 12th, 1851 ; Asa T. Winslow, 
March 19th, 1851 ; George W. Wood, May 7th, 1851 ; 
Alfred Wood Jr., February 8th, 1854 ; Josiah Richards, 
March 15th, 1854. 

Coroners,- Nathaniel Foster Jr., March 4th 1782 ; Mark 
Haskell, February 22d, 1799 ; Dean Briggs, January 23d, 
1808 ; Joseph • Clark Jr., June 16th, 1809 ; Levi Briggs, 
February 16th, 1811 ; Peter H Peirce, February 16th, 
1811 ; Asa Barrows, January 25th, 1812; Abiatha Briggs, 
May 15th, 1812 ; Joseph Jackson, May 4th, 1819 ; Ebene- 
zer Strobridge, February 11th, 1820. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Selectmen, and Assessors. — Joseph T. Wood, Lewis Leon- 
ard, Stillman Benson. 

Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector. — C. B. Wood, 
School Committee. — Henry L. Edwards, Augustus H. 
Soule, Hannah Grossman. 

CHURCHES. 

First Congregational Church. — Rev. E. N. Hidden, Pastor. 
Central Congregational Church. — Rev. E, R. Drake, Pas- 
tor. 



PEMREOKE. 49 

Baptist Church. — Rev. G. F. Fairbanks, Pastor. 

Baptist Church. — Rev. Joseph J. Hutchinson, Pastor. 

Methodist Church. — Rev. S. J. Carroll, Pastor. 

Methodist Church. — South' Middleborough, Rev. Mr. 
Sayre, Pastor. 

Baptist Church. — Rock Middleborough, Rev. I. J. Bur- 
gess, Pastor. 

SOCIETIES. 

Assawampsett Division, S. of T. No. 34. 
A. B. Bosworth, W. P. ; Mary Miner, W. A ; J. E. Beals, 
R. S ; J. P. McCulley, F. S ; Hattie Barden, Treasurer ; 
Henry C. Richardson, Con. Meets Monday Evenings, at 
Soule's Hall. 

Masonic. May Flower Lodge, Middleborough. 
Officers. Charles N. Carpenter, Master. Roland F. Bar- 
rows, Sen, Warden. Frank R. Eaton, Jun. Warden. Chas. 
E. Leonard, Treasurer. James M. Coombs, Secretary. 
B. F. Tripp, Sen. Deacon. F. A. Sherman, Jun. Deacon. 
Charles L. Starky, Sen. Steward. James F. Roberts, Jun. 
Steward. S. Loring, Tyler. Meetings first Tuesday eve- 
ning each month. 



PEMBROKE. 



A part of Duxbury was set off in 1711, incorporated as a 
new and distinct town and called Pembroke. First and 
foremost in those early times in old Colony history, on in- 
corporating a new town, was the act of providing for the set- 
tlement of a gospel minister, and Pembroke did not form an 
exception to that Puritanic rule, as Rev. Daniel Lewis, was 
in 1712, ordained for that work, and there continued in the 
pastoral office for about thirty-nine years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Thomas Smith, who ministered to the people 
for thirty-four years. Thus we see that two ministers sup- 
plied the pulpit of Pembroke for seventy-three years. 

Next came Rev. Mr. Whitman, who continued in the min- 
istry about nine years, and then a young man who had 
been a Missionary to the Indians at Marshpee, and died after 
preaching here a little more than one year. Rev. Morrill 
Allen, a graduate of Brown University, was settled here in 
1801. 



50 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

The first saw mill erected in Plymouth Colony is said to 
have been within the limits of what is now Pembroke. 

The first entry of any kind made upon the town records 
of Pembroke, was that of a vote to pay John Peirce for 
sweeping the meeting house. 

Company of " Minute Men" from the West Parish of 
Pembroke, that part now Hanson, that reponded to the coun- 
try's first call, April 19th, 1775. 

Commissioned Officers. Elijah Gushing, Captain ; Edward 
Thomas, Lieutenant; Lemuel Barney ^ 2d Lieutenant : Non- 
commissioned Officers. Joshua Barker, Simeon Jones, Noah 
Bonney, Snow Baker, Sergeants. Isaac Hobart, Drummer. 
Jacob Hatch, Fifer. Henry Perry, William Phillips jr., 
Richard Phillips, Gideon Ramsdell jr., Jacob Leavett, Abel 
Bourne, Mathew Pillage, Samuel Hill, Alexander Soper jr., 
Benjamin Ramsdell jr., Elisha Records, Samuel Bonney, 
Edward Heyford, Joseph Hollis, Adam Perry, Gamaliel* 
Bosby, Noah Perry, Howland Beals, Joseph Bonney, Na- 
thaniel Cashing, Elijah Cushing jr., Henry Munrojr., Thomas 
Osborn, John Bonney, George Osborn jr., Levi Wade, 
Abraham Jocelyn", Nehemiah Ramsdell, Isiah Bearce. Isaac 
Thomas, Jacob Bearse, Ichabod Howland, Mathew Whitten 
jr., John Whitten, Joseph Howland, James Torrey, Thomas 
Record, Ebenezer Bonney, Samuel Ramsdell jr., Josiah Cush- 
ing jr.. Lot Dwelly, Richard Baker, Richard Lowden, Reu- 
ben Harden, George Osborn, James Tilson, Seth Bearce, 
Francis Josselyn, Joshua Pratt, Gain Robertson, Gain Rob- 
ertson jr., John JefFery, Theodore Cashing, Private Soldiers. 



PEMBROKE TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — George II. Ryder. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Sarveyors of Highways, and 
Overseers of the Poor — W. H. H. Bryant, Julius Cushman, 
Hervey Dyer. 

Treasurer — Seth Whitman. 

Collector — Francis Collamore. 

School Committee — Nathan T. Shephard, Edward G. 
Barnard, Elias C. Scott. 

" Constables — Theodore S. Chandlfer, Francis Collamore, 
Benjamin T. Gardner. 



PLYMPTON.' • 51 

%- . 
CHURCHFS. 

Unitarian Chftrch — Rev. Theophilus P. Daggett, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. J. W. Malcolm, Pas- 
tor. 

Friends' Society — Church at North Pembroke. 

G. A. R. — Post George A. Simmons, Meet, at Mechanics' 
Hall. 

Indian Head Division, No. 48, S. of T. — Meets at Mat- 
takeesett Hall. 

!^embroke Total Abstinence Society. 

President, Francis Collamore. Secretary, George H. 
Ryder. Treasurer, Seth "Whitman. 



PLYMPTON. 



Plympton occupies the most central position of any town- 
ship in the county, and its limits were formerly those of a re- 
ligious parish in Plymouth, set off and incorporated as a town, 
in 1707, or about one hundred and* sixty-six years ago. The 
early congregational ministers were Rev. Isaac Cushman, 
Rev. Jonathan Parker, Rev. Ezra Sampson, Rev. Eben 
Withington, Rev. John Briggs, and Rev. Elijah Dexter, the 
last named of whom Mas ordained in 1809, or one hundred 
and two years after the incorporation of the town, and thus 
it appears that five ministers supplied the pulpit for an entire 
century, or on an average twenty years each. 

But of this time. Rev. Jonathan Parker appears to have 
performed a ministry of about fiorty-five years, as he was or- 
dained to that work in 1731, and died in 1776, no other per- 
son appearing" to have been employed in that office by this 
town during that period, nor until ten years afterward (un- 
less temporarily) when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Samp- 
son in 1786. fPlympton was for several years the home of 
Peacon Lewis Bradford,. quite distinguished as an antiquar- 
ian, and for his historical researches pertainiflg to this and 
other old Colony towns. Deacon Bradford was town clerk 
of Plympton and Representative to the General Court at Bos- 
ton. A company of riflemen were raised in this town about 
38 years since, and Abial Washburn commissioned Captian. 
The uniform consisted of green frock coats, and white panta- 



52 HISTORY OF TOWjfS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

loons, and military caps, and plumes. Captain Washburn 
remained in command about eight years, and ^as succeeded 
by Erastus Leach as Captain, and the uniform was then 
changed to green dress coats, with red trimmings, black pan- 
taloons with red stripe, and black bell topped caps. Captain 
James Ellis was the next Captain. 

This company was changed to Infantry and made a part of 
the Third Regiment in Second Brigade of First Division 
Mass. Volunteer Militia, and as such responded to the Jirst 
call for soldiers in the late war of the great rebellion, and 
performed a tour of three months' service at anil near For- 
tress Munroe, in Virginia, as a part of Colonel David W. 
Wardrop's regiment and in the Brigade commanded by Brig- 
dier General Ebenezer W, Peirce of Freetown. 

When made an Infantry company, the uniform was changed 
to blue frock coats and blue pantaloons with white trimmings. 

Under the former order that existed in the militia, viz., 
when the " train bands," and " alarm lists" of Plymouth 
County, constituted a Brigade of four or five regiments of 
infantry with a squadron of Cavalry, and a Battalion of Ar- 
tillery. Plympton was not unfrequently the scene of mili- 
tary operations, such as company trainings, regimental mus- 
ters, military elections, and "courts martial. 

These in that quiet town have now so completely gone out 
of sight, been so thoroughly discontinued, as to the view of a 
casnal observer to leave no trace of their former prominence, 
or even existence, and yet the postive proof is still extant 
that such was the fact. 

As our authorities, we will now give copies of orders 
from Major General Nathaniel Goodwin, of Plymouth, 
then commanding the Fifth Division of the militia of Mass., 
which division comprised the " train hands" and ' ' alarm lists" 
of the counties of Barnstable, Bristol and Plymouth. 

General Goodwin was a veteran officer of the patriot army 
in the war of the revolution, and is thought to have been the 
person referred to in that familiar stanza of Yankee Doodle. 

" Father and I went down to camp, 
Along with Captain Goodwin ; .• 
And th'ere we see the boys and gals 
As thick as hasty pudding." 

"Head Quarters, Plymouth, January 23d, 1807. 
^ Division Orders" 

The Division Court Martial, whereof 
Brigadier General Bates of the Second Brigade is President, 



PLYMPTON. 



6S 



is hereby ordered to convene at Mr. Caleb Loring's, in Plymp" 
ton, on Thursday the 19th of* February next, punctually at 
eleven o'clock A. M. 

T3y order of Major General, 5th Division, 
" N. Hay ward, A. D. Camp." 

" Head Quarters, Wareham, February 6th 1807. 
*' Brigade Orders" 

All persons of the Frst Brigade, inter- 
ested in the foregoing Division Orders are directed to attend 
to and obey accordingly." 

By order of the Brigadier General, 

William Hammett, " Brigade Major." 

" Head Quarters, Bridgewater April 10th 1811. 
"Brigade Order's" 

All the commissioned offfcers of the 
Battalion of Artillery attached to the First Brigade, are or- 
dered to convene at Mr. Caleb Loring's house in Plympton, 
on Monday, the 27th day of May 'hext, at eleven of the clock 
A. M., to make choice of a Major Commandant of said Bat- 
talion, vice Joseph Thomas resigned. Colonel Thomas of 
the First Begiment, will preside and make return of the 
'election accordingly." 

By order of the Brigadier General, 1st Brj^gade, 

William Hammett, Brigade Major. 

"Head Quarters April 23d 1811. 
" Battalion Orders." 

The Commissioned officers of the Bat- 
talion of Artillery in the First Brigade, and Fifth Division, 
will pay strict attention to the foregoing order. Commissioned 
officers will appear on said day in uniform complete, with side 
arms." Thomas Turner, Adjutant of Artillery. 

" First Brigade 5th Division. 
« Brigade Orders" 

Captain Noyes Commanding officer of 
the Battalion of Artillery in said Brigade, is directed to give 
legal notice to the officers of said Battalion, who by law may 
vote in the election of- Field officers, that they- assemble at 
the house of Thomas B Harrub, innholder, in Plympton, on 
Thursday the 22 instant, at one o'clock, P. M., for the pur- 
pose of filling the vacancy of Major in said Battalion. Given 
at Middleborough, the Head Quarters of the Brigadier Gen- 
eral, and by his order, July 2d, 1824. 

«* Nathaniel Wilder Jr., Brigade Major." _. 



54 HISTORY or TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

" Head Quarters, North Bridgewater, July 4th 1824." 

"Battalion Orders." * 

The Commanding officers of the com- 
panies of Artillery in the First Bi'igade, 5tli Division, are or- 
dered to appear at Thomas B. Harrubs in Plympton, with their 
subalterns on Thursday fhe 22d instant, at one o'clock P. M., 
f.^r the purpose of choosing a Major. 

By order of Captain Moses Noyes, Senior Officer, 
Samuel N. Dyer, Adjutant. 

This Battalion of Artillery was composed of three com- 
panies, viz : the Plymouth Artillery company first organized 
July 8th 177t. The Abington Artillery company organized 
December 24th 1787, and the Hanover Artillery company 
organized May 3d- 1802. 

In 1843 these Artillery companies together with an Ar- 
tillery company in the town of Norton (organized October 
31st 1776), were made a regiment of Artillery and at the 
first election of field officers, Wendall Hall of Plymouth, was 
chosen Colonel ; Daniel Barstow of Hanover, Lieutenant 
Colonel ; and Earl Hodges of Norton, Major, Francis J. 
Noyes of Boston, was appointed Adjutant. Ebenezer W. 
Poirce of Freetown, Quarter Master, ^ohn P. Wade of 
Dighton, Pay Master. Levi Hubbard of Plymouth, Sur- 
geon, and Robert- B. Hall of Plymouth, Chaplain. August 
3 1st 1841:, Ebenezer W. Peirce was promoted to Major of 
this Regiment, and on the 5th of September 1846, to Lieut. 
Colonel. Honorably discharged, July 27th 1848. The 
Norton and Abington Artillery companies performed milita'y 
service in three wars, viz : the Revoultion, the last war with 
England, began 1812 and that of Great Rebellion of 1861. 

The Plymonth Artillery served the country in the Revolu- 
tion and wai: of 1812, and the Hanover in 1812 alone, as it 
was not formed until after the Revolution, and disbanded be- 
fore the great Rebellion. Each of those time honored insti- 
tutions, had interesting histories, but this is neither the time 
nor place to set forth in their proper order the facts that go 
to make up the same in detail, and we will therefore dismiss 
that subject by adding briefly, concerning the Battalion. The 
Plymouth and Abington Artillery companies, were first made 
a Battalion in August 17D4, and Captain Luke Nash of the 
Abington Artillery company made Major, aud the Battalion 
oro-anization continued about 37 years, when broken up and 
the three companies of which it then consisted, were annexed 
to fhe 1st 2d and 3d Regiments of the local militia of Ply- 
mouth County. 






^ PLYMPTON. 55 

During that 37 years that it retained the Battalion or- 
pjanization the following named gentlemen held the office of 
Major Commandant. Luke Nash of Abington, Joseph 
Thomas of Plymouth, INIicah White of Abington, IMosos 
Noyes of North Bridgewater, Marcus Reed of Abington, ^nd 
Elias W. Pratt of Scituate. 

Three years later these three companies were again made 
a Battalion and 'thus remained nine years, when by the 
addition ^of the Norton Artillery^ company it became a 
Regiment. Majors of the Battalion from 1834 to 1843. 
William Thomas of Middleborough, from Augu,t 23, to 1834 
to 1836; William Pearson of Plymouth, from February 18, 
1837 to December 31, 1838 ; Ephraim Holmes of Plymouth, 
from February 9, 1839 to 1841 ; Daniel Barstow of Hano- 
ver, from 1841 to 1843. 

Company of Infantry at Plympton, that responded to the 
*'■ first caW^ of the country in the late war of the "great Re- 
bellion", and served three months at and near Fortress Mun- 
roe, in Virginia, it being company H, in the Third Regiment 
Mass. Militia, under Colonel David W. Wadrop, and in the 
Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Ebenezer W. 
Peirce. Conimissioned Officers. Lucian L. Perkins, Cap- 
tain ; Oscar E. Washburn, Lieutenant ; both of Plympton, 
Southworth Loring, of Middleborough, Second Lieutenant. 
Non Commissioned Officers. Sergeants ; Ira S. Holmes, 
Jonathan C Blanchard, and John B. Wright, of Plympton, 
and Oliver H. Bryant, of Kingston. 

Corporals ; Edwin A. Wright, John Jordan, Henry K. 
Ellis, and Alexander L. Churchill, al! of Plympton. Pri- 
vates : Josiah E. Atwood, Benjamin S. Atwood, William C. 
Alden, George B. Bryant, Daniel Blackman, Calvin Benson, 
Lorenzo L. Brown, Henry F. Benton, George W. Baldwin, 
Ezra S. Churchill, Frederick S. Churchill, Marshall M. 
Chandler, Daniel Dwyer, Albert A. Darling, William P. 
Eldridge, William Fay, Daniel Foley, Francis M. French, 
Josiah P. Hammond, Frederick Haynes, Seth E. Hartweil, 
Philander Herrin, Charles H. Jones, Briggs O. Keen, Mel- 
vin G. Leach, Lemuel J. Loud, Thomas Morton Jr., Solo- 
mon Meserve, Robert Parris, Israel B. Phinney, Edward F. 
Phinney, Lucian M. Raymond, Seth D. Reed, AVarren Rick- 
ard, Frank H. Skephard, Michael Shean, Major Tirrell, John 
A. Fowle, Francis S. Thomas, Alonzo Turner, Samuel G. 
Thompson, Alva P. Vaughn, Lewis T. Wade, James F. Wil- 
lis, Rufus F. Wright. * 



56 HISTOEY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

PLYMPTON TOWN OFFICERS.— 1873-4. 

Town Clci*k.— L. B. Paiker. 

Selectiueu, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor. — John 
Sherman, Ira S. Holmes Lemuel Bryant. 

Treasurer. — Zacheus Parker. 

Collector. — A. S. Sherman, 

School Committee.— Mrs. E. W. Parker, Miss Nancy S. 
Loring, Miss Eudora H.^ Perkins. 

Constable. — A. S. Sherman. ** 

Congregational Church. — Rev. Philip Titcomb, Pastor. 



ROCHESTER. 



This town is said to have derived its name from the an- 
cient city of Rochester, in Kent, England, a shire from 
whence came many of the first planters of Scituate, Mass. 

A committee of the church at Scituate, in 1638, obtained 
from the Colonial Court at Plymouth a grant of land at 
" Scipican," for the seating of a township and a congregation. 

The territory however remained unoccupied until 1651. 

The first white settlers arrived in or about 1680, and were 
principally from the towns of Marshfield, Sandwich, and 
Scituate. 

It was originally a very large township, but considerably 
diminished by the setting off of the towns of Marion ai.d Mat- 
tapoisett. 

Rev. Samuel Arnold, is said to have been the first or ear- 
liest ^minister. He was succeeded by Rev. Timothy Ruggles, 
who was settled in 1710. 

A Baptist church was formed here in or about 1793. 

Before the division of this town, and the setting off of 
Marion and Mattapoisett, Rochester had eight churches, viz., 
four Congregational, two Baptist, and one Quaker. 

Lieut. Colonel Ebenezer White, of this town, performed 
good service for the cause of his country, in the " days that 
tried men's souls." 

He was commissioned as Lieut. Colonel of the Fourth 
Regiment Plymouth County Militia, in the first year of the 
Revolutionary War, and while participating in one of the 
engagements that took place in Rhode Island, had a part of 
the hilt of his sword shot off. 



EOCHESlilEB. $7 

In the cemetery at Rochester Centre, or that part called 
^'Rochester Tbu^/i," stands an old brown stone, bearing the 
following inscription, 

" Memento Mori, Sacred to the memory of Col. Ebenezer 
White, who died March 1804, aged 80. 

He was 19 times chosen to represent the town of Roches- 
ter in the General Court ; in 14 of which elections he was 
unanimously chosen. As a tribute of respect for his faithful 
services, the Town erected this monument to his memory." 

Elnathan Haskell, of Rochester, was Major of Artillery in 
Continental Army. His likeness appears in one of the his- 
toric paintings that adorn the dome of the Capital at Wash- 
ington City, D. C. 

Major Elnathan Haskell, was chief of the division staff 
when the fifth division (embracing the local militia of Barn- 
stable, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties), was commanded by 
Major General David Cobb, of Taunton. 

Nathan Willis, formerly a merchant at " Rochester Town," 
and a very enterprising man, waa promoted to the office of 
Major General of Militia. Hon. Marcus Morton held the 
office of Judge Advocate on General Willis' Staff. 

Rochester gentlemen who have held commissions as Field 
Officers,in the local militia : 

Colonels — Charles Sturtevant, from Jan. 4, 1797, to 1800 ; 
Noah Dexter, from 1812, to Aug. 5th, 1812; David Hatha- 
way, from 1826 to 1829 ; John H. Clark, from December 
8th, 1829. Abial P. Robinson, from May 7, 1834, to 
1837. 

Lieutenant Colonels — Ebenezer White, from 1775 to 
1781 ; Charles Sturtevant, from May 1, 1794, to Jan. 4, 
1797; Noah Dexter, from June, 1^09, to 1812; Ebenezer 
Barrows, from 1826 to 1827 ; John H. Clark, from 1827 to 
Dec. 8, 1829; Gilbert Hathaway, from 1839 to April 24, 1840. 

Majors — Edward Winslow, from an early and unknown 
date. Elisha Ruggles, from 1787, to 17 — Charles Sturte- 
vant, from 179- to May 1, 1794 ; Roland Luce, from July 
22, 1800, to 1806 ; Noah Dexter, from 1807, to June, 1809; 
Nathaniel Haskell, from 1814, to 1821 ; David Hathaway, 
from Oct. 10, 1823, to 182() ; John H. Clark, from 1826 
to 1827. Abial P. Robinson, from 1832, to May 7, 1834 ; 
Chailes H, Clark, from May 7, 1834, to 1836; Gilbert 
Hathawav, from 1837, to 1839; Rogers L. Barstow, from 
1853, to'l85.'<. 

Part of a company of cavalry, for several years existed in 



58 HISTORY OF TOWiJS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

town, and and of which Nathaniel Haskell, John Bennett, 
Ira Clark, and James H. Clark, were successively command- 
ders. Captain Haskell, being promoted to Major of the Cav- 
alry Battallion. 

A company of Light Infantry, was raised in 1849, and 
James H. Look, commissioned Captain. He was succeedd 
by Rogers L. Barstow, in 1851. This company belonged to 
the Third Regiment of Light Infantry, then commanded by 
Colonel Eliab Ward, of Middleborough, and in the Second 
Brigade Mass. Volunteer Militia, then under Brigadier Gen- 
eral Henry Durham, of Ablngton. 

While Marion and Mattapoisett, remained as parts of Roch- 
ester, the town could properly lay claim to considerable com- 
mercial enterprise, two hundred and fifteen workmen being 
at one time engaged in ship building. 

Whaling was also carried on and the making of salt. At 
one time about sixty sail of merchant and coasting vessels, 
were owned here. What by many was believed to have been 
the most valuable private Library in the State, was owned 
by Rev, Thomas Robbins, formerly a settled clergyman, in 
that part of Rochester, now Mattapoisett. 

This library consisted of about three thousand volumes and 
four thousand pamphlets. He also had an extensive collec 
tion of coins, manuscripts, &c. 

Rochester Company of '' Minute Men^ that responded 
to the first callApril 19th, 1775. 

Commissioned Ofiicers. Edward Hammond, Captain ; Jo- 
siah Burgess, Lieutantant ; Timothy Ruggles, Ensign. Non 
Commissioned Officers. Sergeants ; William Nye, Jonathan 
King, Stafford Hammond, Sylvester Bates. Corporals ; 
Church Mendall, Elisha Briggs, David Snow, William Crapo. 
Private Soldiers ; Ichabod Nye, William Randall, Nathan 

Savery, Bassett, Richard Warren, Nathaniel Ryder, 

George Hammond, Joseph Clark, Shubael Hammond, Rufus 
Bassett, Jonathan Clark, Lemuel Caswell, Nathan Nye, Scth 
Mendall, Moses Bates, Consider King, Hathaway Randall, 
Seth Hathaway, Elijah Caswell, jr., Nathan Perry, Isaac 
Washburn, Japhet Washburn, Caleb Combs, Joseph Ham- 
mond, Benjamin Haskins, John Brigg?!, Elijah Bates, David 
Bates, Daniel Mendall, Samuel Snow, Nathan Sears, Nathan- 
iel King, Weston Clark, Robert Rider, Silas Babsett, Eben- 
ezer Foster, George Clark, William Hoj)per. 

Rochester ^d foot company of \Ulit.la that responded to the 
"Lexington Alarm' April 19th, 1775. 



ROCHESTER, 59 

Natlianlel ITrminioncl, Captain ; Nathaniel Brings, Lieu- 
ten an!: ; John Briogs, Leniiiel Le Baron Scrgeantf; ; Cor- 
porals, Increase Clapp, Samuel Jenncss. John , Charles 

Sturtevant, Stnrdevant, Hammond, Joel Ellis, 

Nathaniel Sears, Joseph Haskell, 2d, Benjamin Dexter, 

Daniel Hammond, Briggs, Samuel Sampson, Ichabod 

Clapp, Joshua Allen, John Allen, jr., John Clark, Hosea 
Bolles, John Iveen, Jos. Wing, Ebenezer Hammond, Elisha 
Briggs, Private Soldiers. (See roll at State House). 

The 4th regiment in 2d Brigade 5th Division, that from 
about the commencement of the war of the revolution, em- 
braced all the militia companies of Middleborough, lioches- 
ter, and Wareham, were divided in the days of gerrymander- 
ing (see order of Governor and Council, at the State House, 
Boston, Jan. 15, 1812), and the companies of Rochester and 
Wareham set oif, and wish those of Carver, made a new and 
distinct regiment, of which Major Noah Dexter, of Roches- 
ter was elected and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Com- 
mandant. Benjamin Ellis of Carver, Major, and Asa Bar- 
rows appointed Adjutant. This was disbanded by order of 
the Governor and Council August 6th, 1812, and the com- 
panies of Rochester and Wareham set back to the 4th regi- 
ment, then commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Abial Wash- 
burn of Middleborough, Levi Peirce of Middleborough be- 
ing Senior or First Major, and Samuel White, Junior Major. 

From 1812 to 1826, Rochester and Wareham militia con- 
tinued to form a part of the 4th regiment, and at the date 
last mentioned was again divided pursuant to the following 
order. 

** The committee of Council on Military Affairs, to whom 
was referred the petition of Sylvanus Barrows and other 
commissioned officers in the 4th regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th 
Division of the militia of this commonwealth, praying, for the 
reasons therein set forth, that the said 4th regiment may be 
divided, and that the several companies of militia in the towns 
of Rochester and Wareham, now constituting a part of said 
fourth regiment, together with the south company in the town 
of Carver, now constituting a part of the first regiment in 
said Brigade, may form and constitute a new regiment, re- 
spectfully report that His Excellency be advised to detach 
from the fourth regiment aforesaid the companies of militia, 
with their officers, within the limits of the said towns of 
Rochester and Wareham, and the south company in Carver 
with their officers, from the aforesaid first regiment, and to 



60 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

form the aforesaid detachment into a ncAv regiment, to be de- 
nominated the fifth regiment in first Brigade fifth Division 
aforesaid, and that such field and staff officers as belonged to 
the fourth regiment aforesaid, and who are now resident and 
domiciled within the limits now provided for said new regi- 
ment shall retain their respective ranks and be attached to 
said new regiment. The committee further report that it ap- 
pears that the field officers of the fourth regiment aforesaid, 
the Brigadier and Major Generals of the first Brigade and 
fifth Division, have approved of the petition aforesaid and 
that no objection appears from the officers of the south com- 
pany in Carver aforesaid, or from the officers of the first regi- 
ment, all of which is submitted by order of the committee." 

« In Council July 8th, 1826, Nathan Willis Chairman." 
"The above report is considered and accepted, and by the 
Governor approved," 

<* Attest Edward D. Bangs, Secretary." 

" Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Head Quarters. Bos- 
ton, July 14th 1826. General orders. Major General Lin- 
coln of the fifth Division is directed to carry the above advice 
of Council, approved by the Governor, into effect, and to give 
the necessary orders for the organization of the new Regi- 
ment." 

" By His Excellency's Command, 

William H. Sumn:r, Adjutant Genera.." 

" Head Quarters, New Bedford, July 17th 1826." 
" Division Orders." 

The Major General directs that Brigadier General 

Ephraim Ward of the first Brigade issue the orders necessary 

for carrying into effect immediately the foregoing advice of 

Council of the 8th, and general orders of the 14th current." 

" By order of the Major General 5th Division, 

Timothy G. Cofiin, Aid De Camp." 

" Head Quarters, Middleborough, July 28th 1826," 

" Brigade Order." 

The Brigadier General directs that the aforegoing 
advice of Council of the 8th, and general orders of the I4th, 
and division orders of the ITth current be carried into imme- 
diate effect. 

Lieutenant Colonel Wood, commandant of the 4th regi- . 
ment avIII transmit copies of the foregoing advice of Council, 
General and Division orders, together with this order, to each 
of the commanding officers of companies in the town of Mid- 
dleborough, now composing said fourth regiment. 



ROCHESTER. 61 

" Major David Hathaway, senior officer of the fifth or new 
regiment will transmit similar copies to each commanding of- 
ficer of a company within the limits prescribed by the advice 
of Council aforesaid, to constitute said new or 5th regiment. 
Lieutenant Colonel Wood, Major Hathaway, and all others 
concerned, will take due notice of the advice of Council afore- 
said. General, Division and Brigade orders, and govern them- 
selves according to the precept thereof. 

By order of the Brigadier General, 1st Brigade 5th Division, 

Nathaniel Wilder, B. Major." 

The field officers in this new regiment were filled by elect- 
ing and commissioning three Rochester gentlemen, namely : 
David Hathaway, Colonel, Ebenezer Barrows, Lieutenant-Col- 
onel, and John H. Clark, Major. Doctor Thomas E. Gage, of 
Rochester, was appointed Adjutant. 

Colonel David Hathaway, was born in Freetown, Sept. 24, 
1788. He was a son of Gilbert Hathaway of Freetown, and 
wife, Mary Evans Gilbert and Mary were married Nov. 
24th 1779. She was born Feb. " 12th 1751. She was a 
daughter of David Evans Jr., and wife, Anna Weaver, of 
Swansey, who were married Nov. 29 1745. Anna was a 
daughter of Benjamin Weaver of Swansey, and wife, Ruth 
Sheffield, Benjamin and Ruth were married April 11, 1723. 

Ebenezer Barrows was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 
from the office of Captain of the Light Infantry company then 
existing in that part of Rochester now Mattapoisett. He 
resigned, and was succeeded as Lieutenant Colonel by Major 
John H. Clark, who finally succeeded Colonel Hathaway in 
the command of the regiment December 8th, 1829. 

The first election for the choice of Field officers for this 
regiment was held 1826. Major John H. Clark was pro- 
moted to Lieutenant Colonel, in place of Ebenezer Barrows. 
September 11th, 1827, was the time set for the election to 
be held at the house of Elisha Ruggles, innholdcr, but this 
was countermanded in Brigade orders of Sept. 7th, 18l'7, and 
Major Clark was not promoted until sonie time after. 

Lucius Downs succeeded John H. Clark as Major, and was 
in turn succeeded by Stillnian Shaw. This r)th regiment ex- 
isted but a few years, when it Mas disbanded, and the com- 
panies of Rochester and Wareham again becan)e a pait of 
the fourth regiment, and thus continued until the abolition of 
the old militia system, by an act of the INlassachnsetts Legis- 
lature, April 24th, 1840. 



62 ROCHESTER. 

Kochester Justices of the Peace, and date of appointments. 

Ebenezer White, Oct. 31, 1775 ; David Wing, Aug. 28, 
1775 ; David Nye, May 17, 1787 ; Ehiathan Haskell, M-.y 
28, 1787 ; Abraham Holmes, March 2, 1789 ; Nathan Wil- 
lis, March 4, 1800; Nathaniel Hammond oid, Feb. 19, 
1805; Nathaniel Ruggles, Jan. 2t>, 1810; Elisha Ruggles, 
May 5, 181(»; Gideon Barstow Jr , Feb. 22, 1811; Caleb 
Briggs, Feb. 22, 1811 ; Elijah Willis, Feb. 22, 1811 ; Peleg 
Whitridge, May 8, 1812 ; Charles J. Holmes, Feb. 15, 1814 ; 
Micah H. Ruggles, Jan. 31, 1815 ; Thomas Bassett, Jan. 
30,1816; Charles Sturtevant, Jan. 30, 1816; Joseph Meigs, 
Feb. 3, 1816 ; George Wing, Feb. 5, 1822 ; James Ruggles, 
April 16, 1822; Jesse Martin, May 26, 1823 ; Joseph Look, 
May 20, 1823 ; Philip Crandon, Feb. 17, 1824 ; Lothrop 
Perkins, Feb. 17, 1824; Butler Wing, Jan. 7, 1825 ; Wil- 
liam Le Baron, July 1, 1825 ; George King, Jan. 24, 1829 ; 
Theophilus Pitcher, Jr., Feb. 1, 1831 ; David Hathaway, 
Jan. 12, 1836 ; Walton N. Ellis, Jan. 12, 1836 ; Joseph 
Haskell, Feb. 7, 1837 ; Joseph W. Church, April 11, 1839 ; 
Theophilus King, July 25, 1839 ; Noah C. Perkins, Feb. 
17, 1841 ; Amitta B. Hammond, March 6, 1841 ; Rogers L. 
Barstow, Jan. 14, 1843; Benjamin F. Barstow, Feb. 12, 
1851. James 41. Lock, George Peirce, Thos. Ellis. 

Coroners. — Nathaniel Haskell, March 1, 1794; Peleg 
Whitridge, Jan. 26, 1802; Nathaniel Haskell Jr., June 17, 
1815. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector — Henry C. Nye. 

Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Assessors — John 
Blackmer, George H. Peirce, John G. Dexter. 

School Committee — G. B. Blackmer, Joseph E. Church, 
Henry H. Bennett, L. D. Braley, Charles H. Alley. 

Constables — Robert C. Randall, Judah Hathaway, Town 
Agent, James Ruggles, Herring Inspector, G. B, Blackmer. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Church — Rev. Nelson Clark, Pastor. 
North Rochester Congl. Church — No settled Pastor. 
Union Church — No settled Pastor. 



waheham. 



WAREHAM. 



U 



Agawam was the Indian name of this locality. It was 
sold by the natives in 1655, the town of Plymouth being the 
purchaser. In 1682 the town of Plymouth, for two hundred 
pounds, convey d it by deed of sale to Joseph Warren, Wm. 
Clark, Joseph Bartlett and Josiah Morton, of Plymouth, Isaac 
Little, of Marshfield and Seth Pope, of Dartmouth. 

The earliest permanent English settlers came from Hingham 
and chief among whom was Israel Fearing. 

It was incorporated as a township in 1739. Their first 
settled minister was Hev. Roland Thatcher, who was ordained 
in 1740 and died in 1773. Thus it appears that from the 
date of purchase to that of incorporation, was eighty-four 
years. Eev. Josiah Cotton succeeded Mr. Thatcher as the 
town's minister, and he was in turn succeeded by Rev. Noble 
Everett, ordained in 1784. 

At the breaking out or commencement of the war of the 
American Revolution, the train bands and alarm lists of 
Middleborough, Rochester and "VVareham were detached 
and set off from the Plymouth or first regiment in Plymouth 
County Militia, and made to constitute a new regiment, 
numbered and known as the Fourth Regiment. 

Of this then new Fourth Regiment, Ebenezer Sprout, of 
Middleborough, who had been Major of the first regiment, 
was promoted to Colonel. Ebenezer White, of Rochester, 
Lieut. Colonel, Israel Fearing, of Wareham, Senior, or first 
Major, and John Nelson, of Middleborough, now Lakeviile, 
Junior or second Major. 

Israel Fearing was in 1785 promoted to Lieut. Colonel, 
in 1787, to Colonel, and in a few years after to Brigadier 
General. 

While General Fearing commanded the Brigade, and 
Mijor General Nathaniel Goodwin the Division, Fearing's 
Brigade was called out pursuant to orders, as follows : 

Division Orders. 
Head Quarters, Plymouth, August 27, 1803 
" Brigadier General Fearing is ordered to parade with his 
Brigade, including Cavalry and Artillery, for review, inspec- 
tion and discipline, near the widow Dunbar's, in Halifax, on 
^^'ednesd ly, 12 October next, at 9 o'clock A. M., completely 
equipped with arms and accoutrements and eight rounds of 
sporting cartridges. 

" The Commander-in-Chief it is expected will review the 



^4 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN I'LtMOtJTH COtJNTT. 

Brigade, and the Major General flatters himself the ofEcers 
and soldiers will conduct with that martial spirit, order and 
subordination which they displayed on a similar occasion." 
By order of the Major General, 5 Division. 

(Signed) N. Hayward, A. D. C. 

Bkigade Orders. 
Head Quarters, Wareham, Sept. 1st. 1803. 
" In pursuance of the foregoing Division Orders, and to 
carry the same into effect, the General of Brigade directs the 
officers commanding Regiments and Battalions in 1st Brigade 
5th Division to parade with their respective commands at the 
time and place therein mentioned. Punctuality is the main 
spring of military subordination. He recommends that each 
commanding officer appoint his alarm post so near the parade 
as to enable him to lead on his command at the appointed 
moment. For the order and regulation of the day, reference 
may be had to Brigade Orders 29 August and 9 Sept., 1799, 
part of which will probably be attempted. If any other ar- 
rangements are made they will be seasonably communicated." 

Per Order, 
(signed) W. Jackson. 

Brigade Major. 

The Brigade then consisted of 4 Regiments of Infantry, a 
Battalion of Cavalry, and a Battalion of Artillery, and these 
commands were officered in the field as follows : 

1st Regiment, Militia of Plymouth, Carver and Kings- 
ton. *John Thomas, Lieut. Colonel Commandant, Zacheus 
Bartlett, and George Russell, Mayors. 

2d. Regiment, Militia of Scituate, Hanover and Pembroke. 
Charles Turner, of Scituate, Lieut. Colonel Commandant, 
Nathaniel Sylvester and John James, Majors, and Samuel 
Eels, Adjutant. 

3d Regiment, Militia of Abington and the Bridgewaters. 
Sylvanus Lazell, of Bridge water, Lieut. Colonel Com- 
mandant, Caleb Howard and James Barrett, Majors, and 
Hector Orr, Adjutant. , 

*Colonel John Thomas was from a military stofk. He was a son of 
Major General Thomas, of the Patriot Army of the Kevolntion, and 
who perished in the service of his country at Chamblee. The son re- 
sided on the same spot of ground in Kingston, that had been tl>e home 
of his father. Of Ist Regiment, .lolin Thomas held successively the 
offices of Adjutant, Major, Lieut. Colonel and (!olonel. Col. Sylvanus 
Lazell succeeded General Fearing as Brigadier General He was the 
founder of and a large proprietor in the extensive "Iron Works " in 
Bridgewater. 



WAREHAM. 



65 



4th Regiment, ISIilitia of Middleborough, Rochester and 
Wareham. *Abiel Washburn, of Middleborough, Lieut. Col. 
Commandant, Peter Hoar, of Middleborough and Roland 
Luce, of Rochester, Majors, and Cyrus Keith, of Middle- 
borough, Adjutant. 

CAVALRY BATTALION. 

Companies of Cavalry in Bridgewaters and Middleborough. 
William Bourne,t of Middleborough, Major Commandant. 
Elias Dunbar, of Bridgewater, Adjutant. 

ARTILLERY BATTALION. 

Companies of xlrtilleryj in Plymouth, Abington and Han- 
over. Joseph Thomas, of Plymouth, Major Commandant and 
AVilliam Hammatt, Adjutant. 

These three companies of Artillery constituted a Battalion for 
many years. Disbanded in or about 1831, reformed again in 
1834, again disbanded in 1843. 

But it was not as a Brigadier General of the Plymouth 
County Militia that Israel Fearing acquired that notoriety 
among the people, and the good name for which he was dis- 
tinguished. The circumstance which caused him to stand forth 
so conspicuously in the public mind, and to hold so high a 
place in its affections and such a share in its love, esteem and 
confidence, was of an earlier date, and transpired during the 
war of the Revolution, when Israel Fearing had only attained 
to the rank and commission of Major in 4th Regiment Ply- 
mouth County Militia. 

*Col. Abiel Washburn was a son of Edward Washburn, of Middle- 
borough, (that part now Lakeville,) Edward was a patriot soldier in 
war of Revolution. 

Col. Washburn succeeded Sylvanus Lazell as Brigadier General, 
Sept. 4, 1816. 

•fMajor William Bourne was a son of Capt.Abner Bourne, of Middle- 
borough, who commanded a company in the Revolutionary war. Major 
Bourne was a senator from Plymouth County and one of County Com- 
missioners. Died Dec. 10, islo, in the house where he was born. 

JThe Plymouth Artillery Company was organized July 8, 1777, 
Thomas Mayhew was the first captain. It was disbanded in or about 
1850. 

The Abington Artillery was organized Dec. 24, 1787. 

The Hanover Artillery Company was organized May 3d, 1802. Hon. 
Benjamin Whitman was the first captain. These companies, together 
with the Norton Artillery Company that was organized in October, 
1776, were brought together in 1813 and organized as a Regiment of 
Artillery. Wendall Hall, of Plymouth, commissioned Colonel, Ephraim 
B. Richards, of Boston, Lieut. Colonel, Ebenezer W. Peirce, of Free- 
town, Major ; Francis I. Noyes, of Boston, Adjutant, Robert B. Hall, 
of Plymouth, Chaplain ; John P. Wade, of No Dighton, Paymaster. 



^Q HISTOKr OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

^ The story has oft been told, and repeatedly appeired in 
different publications, and to many of the readers of this ar- 
ticle are, perhaps, as familiar as " household words," yet in this 
connection it seems that to omit it would be inexcusable, and 
therefore we here present that version of the affair given in 
" Dwight's Travels," volume 3, page 71, describing the cir- 
cumstances which attended the attempt made by the British 
troops to destroy the village of Fairhaven on the night of 
Sept. 7, 1778, they having previously burned some of the 
houses and destroyed a large amount of property at New Bed- 
ford. 

'* From this place they marched around the head of the riv- 
er to Sconticut Point, on the eastern side, leaving in their 
course, for some unknown reason, the villages of Oxford and 
Fairhaven. Here they continued until Monday morning, and 
then re-embarked. 

*' The following night a large body of them proceeded up 
the river with the design to finish the work of destruction by 
burning Fairhaven. 

** A critical attention to their movements had convinced 
the inhabitants that this was their design, and induced them 
to prepare for their reception. 

" The militia of the neighboring country had been sum- 
moned for the defence of this village. 

Their commander was a man far advanced in years. 

*' Under the influence of that languor which at this period 
enfeebles both the body and the mind, he determined that 
the place must be given up to the enemy, and that no oppo- 
sition to their ravages could be made with any hope of suc- 
cess. 

" This decision of their officer, necessarily spread its be- 
numbinginfluence over the militia, and threatened an absolute 
prevention of all enterprise and the destruction of this hand- 
some village. 

" Among the officers belonging to the brigade was Israel 
Fearing, Esq., a Major of one of the regiments. 

*' This gallant young man, observing the torpor which was 
spreading among the troops, invited as many as had sufficient 
spirit to follow him, and station themselves at the post of 
danger. 

" Among those who accepted the invitation was one of the 
Colonels, who, of course, became comniiindant ; but after 
they had arrived at Fairhaven, and the night had come on, 
he proposed to march the troops back into the country. 



WAHEHAir. 67 

" He was warmly opposed by Major Feariug, and finding 
that he could not prevail, prudently retired to a house three 
miles distant, Avhere he passed the night in safety. 

" After the Colonel had withdrawn, Major Fearing," now 
commander-in-chief, arranged his men with activity and 
skill, and soon perceived the British approaching. , 

" The militia, in the strictest sense, raw, already alarmed 
by the reluctance of their superior officers to meet the enemy, 
and naturally judging that men of years must understand the 
real state of the danger better than Major Fearing, a mere 
youth, were panic struck at the approach of the enemy, and 
instantly withdrew from their post. 

At this critical moment. Major Fearing, with the decision 
which awes men into a strong sense of duty, rallied them ; 
and placing himself in the rear, declared in a tone which re- 
moved all doubt, that he would kill the first man whom he 
found retreating. 

*' The resolution of their chief recalled theirs. With the 
utmost expedition he then led them to the scene of danger. 

*' The British had already set fire to several stores. Be- 
tween these buildings and the rest of the village he stationed 
his troops, and ordered them to lie close in profound silence, 
until the enemy, who were advancing, should have come 
so near, that no marksman could easily mistake his object. 
The orders were punctually obeyed. When the enemy had 
arrived within this distance the Americans arose, and with a 
well directed fire, gave them a warm and unexpected recep- 
tion. The British fled instantly to their boats, and fell down 
the river with the utmost expedition. 

"From the quantity of blood found the next day in their 
line of march, it was supposed that their loss was conside - 
able. 

"Thus did this heroic youth, in opposition to his superior 
officers, preserve Fairhaven, and merit a statue from its in- 
habitants." 

Mnjor Fearing was also for a time on duty in Rhode Is- 
land, and stationed at or near a place called " Fogland." 

From this account of the stirring scenes witnessed at, and 
of what was transpiring in the little village of Fairhaven on 
that memorable night in September, almost one hundred 
years ago, it appears that a certain Colonel greatly over-rated 
himself, snuffing the battle bravely so long as the danger was 
far off, but proving wholly useless when trouble was near. 

That Colonel, if we trust to tradition, became a laughing 



68 BISTORT OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 

stock then, and his conduct the subject of ridicule for many 
years after. 

Half a century later, some personal enemies of Colonel 
John Nelson of Middleborough, tried to create the belief that 
he was the cowardly colonel referred to, which any one con- 
versant with the facts must have known were untrue, because 
impossible, as John Nelson was at that date (viz., Sept. 1778) 
holding the commission of Junior Major, and was not a Col- 
onel until July 1st, 1781, or almost three years later. He 
was Junior in rank at that time (1778) to Israel Fearing, and 
consequently the withdrawal of John Nelson was not neces- 
sary to give the command to or make the leadership de- 
volve on Fearing, who at that time was a Senior Major, and 
consequentlv Nelson's superior officer. 

A veteran soldier of the war of the revolution (named 
Bennett), a few years since in relating to Mr. Daniel Ricket- 
son of New Bedford, what he remembered of this transaction, 
said that the poltroon was a Colonel, but Mr. Bennett, like 
Mr. Dwight, suppressed the name of that officer. 

The gist of the matter lies in the circumstance that at the 
re-organization of the militia in July 1181, a wrong was done 
Major Fearing, who ought to have been promoted, but was 
not, but left out of the arrangement altogether. 

Junior Major John Nelson being at that time made Col- 
onel. Captain William Tupper of Middleborough Lieuten- 
ant Colonel, and Captain Edward Sparrow of Middleborough, 
Major. A great deal of trouble resulted from that unjust 
proceeding, and to make " honors easy" Lieutenant Colonel 
Tupper resigned, and Israel Fearing was made his successor 
in (1785), being then of course made Junior to John Nelson, 
to whom in the war of Revolution, he had been Senior or 
superior officer. 

The circumstance that Isreal Fearing was finally John Nel- 
son's subaltern or inferior officer, led those not conversant 
with all the facts in their cases to suppose such was the po- 
sitions that they relatively sustained in the war of the revo- 
lution, and hence it became easy to make it believed by those 
who knew no better that the withdrawal of John Nelson from 
a post of danger naturally, and as a legitimate consequence, 
threw the responsibility on Isreal Fearing, and that it was 
John Nelson who thus withdrew. 

Amends were made to Fearing for the cruel neglect he 
suffered in 1781, for he was, as remarked made a Lieutenant 
Colonel in 1785, a Colonel in 1787, and ere long a Brigadier 



WAREHAM. 69 

General. He stands in history thoroughly vindicated, and there 
is no necessity for injuring the name or marring the fame of John 
Nelson, on Fearing's account. If John Nelson was at fault, 
it was when he allowed himself to be promoted over the head 
of and to supercede so brave and meritorious an officer as 
Israel Fearing, and for that let us blame him, but not for a 
thing of which he was not, and from the circumstances exis- 
ting at the time could not have been guilty. " Let justice be 
done, though the heavens fall." 

Wareham, in the latest war with England, (or the war of 
1812 as it is sometimes called,) suffered an attack from the 
marines, or sailors of "the British war vessels " Superb " and 
*• Nimrod," then blockading the harbors of this coast. 

A rocky neck of land of considerable elevation, >rhich 
conceals a view of the bay from the village, also concealed the 
approach of a detachment of barges from the British war 
vessels. 

On the morning of June 13th, 1814, six barges, carrying 
about two hundred men, effected a landing, and although re- 
maining but a few hours, destroyed forty thousand dollars 
worth of pr6perty, by setting fire to one ship and one brig 
that were in process of construction, (on the stocks,) and 
burning several schooners and sloops. The fire in the ship 
and brig was extinguished, and thus these only sustained a 
partial loss. 

Their attempt to burn the cotton factory was not success- 
ful. 

Capt. Israel Fearing, Jr., (a son of Brigadier General Fear- 
ing,) called out the militia, and did all that under the circum- 
stances could be done for the defence of the place. Although 
not so successful as his father in the former war had been, at 
Fairhaven, he displayed the same heroic spirit, richly deserv- 
ing the appellation of '■' parentibus optimns heiie merentthtis" 

The following named Wareham gentlemen held commissions 
of generals and field officers in the local militia of the State. 

Major General — Darius Miller, from 1833 to 1835. 

Brigadier General — Israel Fearing. 

Colonels — Israel Fearing from 1787 to ; Bartlett 

Murdock 

Lieut. Colonels — Israel Fearing from 1785 to 1787. 

Majors — Israel Fearing, from 1775 to 1781 ; Wm. Bar- 
rows, from April 20, 1812, to August, 1812 ; Lucius Downs. 
Brigade Inspector, with the rank of Major, James Sproat ; 
Aid. to Major General, with the rank of Major, AYarren 
Murdock. 



70 HISTOEY or TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH OCUNTY. 

The Militia company of Wareliam, that responded to the 
call Apvi! lf)th, 1775. 

Commissioned Officers : IN^oah Fearing, Captain ; John 
Gibbs, Lieutenant; Non- Commissioned Officers. Jonathan 
Gibbs, Joseph Sturtevant, Sergeants ; Enos Howard, Cor- 
poral ; Thomas Norris, Drummer; Joseph Bumpus, Joseph 

Winslow, Jesse Swift, Bumpus, John Bates^ Bas- 

sett, Benjamin Swift, Jno. Bourne, Archipaus Landers, 

Hathaway, Samuel Savery, David Nye, Privates. 

Company of '* Minute Men" from Wareham that marched 
to Marshfield, April 19th, 1775. 

Commissioned Officers : Israel Fearing, Captain ; Joshua 
Briggs, Lieutenant ; Ebenezer Chubbuck, 2d Lieutenant ; 
Non-Commissioned Officers. Samuel Savens, Prince Bur- 
gess, Edward Sparrow, Burgess, Sergeants ; Jno. 

Bessee, Drummer ; Joshua Bessee, Fifer ; Samuel Burgess, 
Sylvester Bumpus, Calvin Howard, Wilbur Swift, Benjamin 
Gibbs, Samuel Phillips, Pufus Perry, Nathaniel Burgess, 
Joshua Gibbs jr., William Parris, Isaac Ames, William Bum- 
pus, David Perry, Benjamin Briggs, Barnabus Bumpus, 
Elisha Burgess, Kichard Sears, Asaph Bates, Jabez Nye, 
Jno. Lothrop, Ebenezer Bourne, Willis Barrows, Samuel 
Norris, Joseph Bumpus, Elisha Swift, Jabez Bessee, Samuel 
Morse, Thomas Sampson, Timothy Chubbuck, Privates. 

The following named soldiers of Wareham, gave their 
lives as a sacrifice to th^ Union cause in the late war of the 
great Rebellion. 

Fii'st Battalion, Daniel Wcstgate. 

Third Regiment, Joseph W. Tinkhani, John D. Manter, 
John S. Oldham. 

Sixth Battery, John A. Haskins, December 6, ISG^. 

Eighteenth Regiment, Thomas S. Hatch, James F. Leon- 
ard, William Ashton, Samuel Benson, Theodore E. Paddock, 
Arch. Stinger, Marcus Atwood. 

Twentieth Regiment, James R. Russell, James Blackwell, 
Benjamin F. Bumpus, John J. Carroll, Benjamin D, Clifton, 
James Madigan, Julian W. Swift, Goorge H. Loring. 

Twenty Fourth Regiment, George H. French, Stephen S. 
Russell, Daniel C. Bumpus, Joseph Hayden, Isaac S. Old- 
ham, Feb. 2d 1863, David A. Perry. 

Twenty Eighth Regiment, under Colonel Montieth, Patrick 
Crim. 

Fifty Eighth Regiment, under Colonel Whiton, Patrick 
Cox, Horatio G. Harlow, Stephen H. Drew, George W. Bes- 
sey, July 2d, 1864. Not assigned to Regt., John R. Oldham. 



WAHEHAM. 71 

Recapitulation. Not assigned, 1 ; 1st Battalion, Company 
D. 1 ; 3cl Kegiinent, 3 ; 6rh Battery, 1 ; 8th E,egiment, 17 ; 
20th Regiment, 7 ; 24th Regiment, 6 ; 28th Regiment, 1 ; 
58th Regiment, 4. Total, 32. 

Justices of the Peace, with the dates of their appointment. 

Isreal Fearing, 1747 ; Noah Fearing, January 2od, 

1777 ; Isreal Fearing, February 28th, 1798 ; Benjamin Fear- 
ing, June 16th, 1800; John Fearing, January 31st, 1804; 
Roland Leonard, May 16th, 1810 ; Wad worth Crocker, Feb- 
ruary 5th, 1811 ; Benjamin Bourne, February 12th, 1812; 
R'artlett Murdock, February 1st, 1819 ; William Fearing, 
February 11th, 1820; Curtis Tobey, February 17th, 1824; 
Seth Miller jr., June 29th, 1826; Sylvanus Bourne. August 
27th, 1829 ; David Nye, March 12th, 1830 ; Charles E. Ellis, 
February 14th, 1832 ; Thomas Savery, January 29th, 1836 ; 
William' Bates, March 3d, 1836; Darms Miller, March 30th, 
1858 ; Harrison G. O. Ellis, September 21st, 1829. William 
L. Chipman, Joseph P. Hayden, James G. Sproat, John 
M. Kinney, Adolphus Savery, Nathaniel Sherman, Noble 
Howard. 

Trial Justice. — Seth Miller. 

Notaries Public. — William L. Chipman, James G. Sproat. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer. — Alvin F. Gibbs, 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor. — Alden 
Bessey, Nathaniel Sherman, B. F. Gibbs. 

School Committee. — S. B. Bumpus, John M. Kinney, 
Galen Humphrey. 

Surveyors of Highways. — William H. Mackie, John Gait, 
Ebenezer Bryant. 

Coroners. — Samuel Savory, September 20th, 1780; Cur- 
tis Tobey, February 3rd, 1808; Perez F. Briggs, June 11th 
1827. 



72 HISTOEY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 



WEST BRIDGEWATER. 

Although one of the towns last incorporated in Plymouth 
County, West Bridgewater is, nevertheless, an early English 
settlement ; in fact it was the first interior settlement of Ply- 
mouth colony, and showed marks of civilization more than 
two hundred and twenty years ago. 

Remaining a part of ancient Bridgewater as it did, from 
1651 to 1822, a period of one hundred and seventy-one 
years, its date of incorporation as a new and distinct town 
causes it to rank as the youngest in the county, save East 
Bridgewater, Lakeville, Marion and Mattpoisett. 

The history of West Bridgewater is, therefore in fact, nearly 
all a part of the history of ancient Bridgewater. 

x^Lt the commencement of the settlement, each settler had a 
house lot of six acres near the river, then called " Nunketest," 
which name for a long time was applied to the settlement 
itself. 

Rev. James Keith was their first minister. He was from 
Scotland, and came to Boston in or about 1662, and was or- 
dained at Bridgewater in 1664. Died in 1719 aged 76; 
must have been born in or about 1643. 

This was the first interior settlement in Plymouth County, 
and its early inhabitants were called on to encounter many 
and repeated dangers and troubles incident to Indian war- 
fare. During King Philip's war, 1675 and 1676, they dis- 
played great resolution and intrepidity. Surrounded as they, 
were by the savage foe, and strongly advised and solicited to 
leave their dwellings and to repair to the towns at the sea- 
side, they, however, resolutely held their ground, and suc- 
cessfully defended the settlement and encouraged and assist- 
ed some other towns to do likewise. 

On the south side of the river they erected and maintained 
a stockade, and there kept a small garrison. They also forti- 
fied several of their dwellings. 

Sunday, April 9th, 1676, they received a visit from the In- 
dians who burned one house and a barn, broke into, and 
rifled several other houses, but fled as soon as pursued. 

May 8, 1676, the Indians, about three hundred in number, 
led by Tispaquin, the noted chieftan of Middleborough, paid 
the people of Bridgewater a second visit, making an assault 
upon the east end of the town, set fire to many of the Eng- 
lish dwellings, but, as said the old chronicle, " the inhabit- 
ants issuing from their houses, fell upon them so resolutely 



WEST BRlDGE\^ATEE. 7^ 

that the enemy were repelled and a heavy shower of rain 
falHng at the same time, the fires were soon extinguished." 

This was on the south side of the river, and failing in their 
attempts in that direction, the Indians now lepaired to the 
north side of the stream, where the attack was renewed, but 
they were again driven off after burning two houses and one 
barn. 

Houses upon the outskirts of the town, deserted by their 
owners, fell a prey to the Indian's torch, by which fourteen 
houses four barns, including those in the village, were des- 
troyed. 

Sometime, during the summer of 1676, Capt. Benjamin 
Church, with a body of soldiers, were sent to aid in this de- 
fence, and twenty Bridge water men going out to meet Capt. 
Church, came upon a band of Indians, of whom they cap- 
tured seventeen together with considerable plunder. The 
next day, as a part of captain Church's command, they parti- 
cipated in conqueritig a tribe of one hundred and seventy- 
three Indians. These Indian prisoners were taken to Bridge- 
water, and confined in the town-pound 

The old chronicle adds, concerning the Indian captives : 

" They were well treated with victuals and drink, and the 
prisoners laughed as loud as the soldiers, not having been so 
well treated for a long time." 

Tradition informs us that not a single Bridgewater man was 
slain in that war, nor in any other in which the county had 
engaged, until they were called upon to participate in the 
" Old French War," so called, 1745, when John Suell, of 
Biidgewater, fell in battle. 

In the war for Independence, viz., at the capture of Bur- 
goyne, Capt. Jacob Allen, of Bridgewater, was slain. 

Comfort Willis, the Bridgewater '" Trooper." who figured 
so conspicuously in " King Philip's War," is said to have kept 
a diary of those stirring events, as the same were occurring. 
He was the ancestor of Judge Samuel Willis, of Dartmouth, 
now New Bedford. Samuel Willis was Colonel * of the 
Second Regiment, Bristol County Militia, in the time of the 
♦' Old^ French War," 1745, and 1746. His son, Ebenezer 

* The local militia of Bristol County were then organized into three 
Regiments of which Dr. Thomas Bowen was Colonel of the 
1st, Samuel Willis, Dartmouth, Colonel of the 2nd, and George Leon- 
ard, of Norton, Colonel of the 3rd. A few years later, Daniel Carpen- 
ter, of Rehoboth, succeeded Dr. Bowen, as Colonel. Ezra Richmond' 
of Dighton, succeeded Colonel Willis, and Ephraim Leonard succeed- 
ed his brother, George Leonard. 
10 



74 HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTTt. 

"Willis, was Major of the same regiment, just before the break- 
ing out of the Revolutionary War, 

* A lineal descendant, named Samuel Willis, was Adjutant 
of the same Regiment, about the time of the '' Shay's Rebel- 
lion." 

Hon William Baylies, distinguished for his ability as a 
lawyer, (although a native of Dighton,) resided in West 
Bridgewater, for many years. 

Justices of the Peace, West Bridgewater. 

Jonathan Snow, Jan. 7, 1824 ; Samuel Dunbar, Feb. IT, 
1824; Jonathan Copeland Jr., June 10, 1825; William 
Baylies, Jan. 7, 1826; John E. Howard, March 2, 1826; 
Abiezer Alger, Jan. 2, 1828 ; Austin Packard, March 4, 
1828; Daniel Howard, Dec. 3, 1828; Zephaniah Howard, 
Feb. 28, 1829; Ellis Ames, March 5, 1835; Linus How- 
ard, June 28, 1836; Jonathan Ames, April 13, 1843 ; Abial 
Packard, April 13,1843; Elijah Smith, April 13,1843; 
Dwelley Forbes, Jan. 4, 1848; Joseph Kingman, Feb. 6, 
1851; Samuel D. Keith, Dec. 6, 1853; James Howard, 
William H. Jennings. 

Names of West Bridgewater men who died for their coun- 
try, in the late war. 

Second Regiment, John B. Dunbar. 

Third Regiment, George Colwell, 

Seventh Regiment, under Colonel Darius Couch, Henry 
Quintley. 

Ninth Regiment, under Col. Cass, Patrick Cunningham, 
Co. K. 

Twelvth Regiment, under Webster, Timothy O'Kary. 

Twenty Sixth Regiment, John B. Gould, Grenviile PIow- 
ard, Lyman E. Howard, Francis Lothrop. 

Twenty Ninth Regiment, under Colonel Ebenezer W. 
Peirce, Myron E. Alger, Chas. H. Hnyden, Chas. H.Turner. 

Fortieth Regiment, Charles H. Parker, Asa F. Shaw. 

Fifty Eighth Regiment, under Colonel Whiton, Leonard 
Jones, Henry M. Folsom, Eustace Howard, Hector O. King- 
man. 

* When the Second Regiment was reorganized to meet the emergen- 
cies of the " Shay's War," soon after the close of the Revolution, 
George Claghorn, of New Bedford, was comniissioDed as Colonel, 
Benjamin Weaver, of Freetown, Lieut Colonel, Robert Earl, of West- 
porfc, Major, Samuel Willis, Dartmouth, Adjutant, and William Alury, 
Quarter-master. Col. George Claghorn was naval constructor of the 
frigate Constitution, or " Old Ironsides," as sometimes called. Lieut. 
Col. Weaver was born in Freetown, June 25, 1775 ; died in Freetown, 
April 23, 1838. He was grandfather to the writer of this article. 



WEST BHIDGEWATEE. 75 

Fifty Ninth Regiment, Michael McMurphy. 

First Cavahy, Koscoe Tucker. 

Second Cavahy, Alvan K, Coffin. 

In the Navy, James E. Jacobs, James E. Ryan, AVilHam 
Dewyre. 

Recapitulation. 2d Regiment, 1 ; od, I ; 7th, 1 ; 9th, 1; 
12th, 1; 26th, 4; i29th, 3; 40th, 2; 58th, 4; SOth, 1; 
1st Cavalry, 1 ; 2d, Cavalry, 1 ; Navy, 4. Total, 25. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

At the annual meeting, James Howard, Moderator, Austin 
Packard was chosen Town Clerk ; Selectmen, James Howard, 
Davis Copeland, Samuel N. Howard ; Treasurer and Col- 
lector, George M. Pratt ; School Committee, Perez P, Field, 
Heman Copeland and Miss Irene S. Wood, for 3 years, Eli 
Wheeler, for one year ; Constables, Eli Wheeler, Thomas P. 
Ripley. The town voted, 45 to 70, not to accept the act re- 
lating to road commissioners. Nahum Packard, W. H. Jen- 
nings and Bradfoi-d Packard were chosen a committee on the 
part of the town to procure lecturers in accordance with the 
terms of the Howard fund, with instructions not to exceed 
the sum of twenty-five dollars for any one lecture. High- 
ways, $2,500, new roads, $500, schools $3000. school house 
repairs $200, incidentals, 1200, support of the poor, $800, lec- 
tures $100,— total $8,300. 

First Congregational (Unitarian) Church. Rev. Frank P. 
Hamblett, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, (Cochesett), Organized 1829. 
Present Church erected, 1844. 

Baptist Church, Cochesett Village. 

Silver Wave Lodge, No. 134. I. O. G. T. Cochesett 
Village. Instituted January 5, 1870. 

Population in 1870, 1,803. 



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